Itch natural history, complications and prognosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ogechukwu Hannah Nnabude, MD
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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
The scientific term for itching is pruritis. The word pruritis is derived from the Latin word Prurire which means to itch. [1]
In 1660, the German physician Samuel Hafenreffer defined pruritis as "an unpleasant sensation associated with the desire to scratch". [1]
In modern medicine, pruritus is used in reference to a pathological condition in which the sensations of itch are intense and often generalized and stimulate repeated scratching in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort. Pruritus is not a disease, but rather a common and still poorly understood symptom of both localised and systemic disorders that may accompany many conditions. [2]
Pruritis is important in many medical specialities, and notably to palliative care. Although pruritus is not the most commonly seen symptom seen in advanced terminal disease, it is among the most puzzling symptoms. It can cause considerable discomfort in patients receiving cancer therapy or in other types of terminal diseases. The itch‐scratch‐itch cycle adversely affects skin integrity, resistance to infections, and quality of life as much as pain can affect a patient. It can also lead to feelings of embarrassment which can impact a social patient's life. [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Siemens W, Xander C, Meerpohl JJ, Buroh S, Antes G, Schwarzer G; et al. (2016). "Pharmacological interventions for pruritus in adult palliative care patients". Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 11: CD008320. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008320.pub3. PMC 6734122 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 27849111. - ↑ Bernhard JD (2005). "Itch and pruritus: what are they, and how should itches be classified?". Dermatol Ther. 18 (4): 288–91. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2005.00040.x. PMID 16296999.