Pruritus

Background

• i.e. itchiness

Clinical Features

• Excoriations

Differential Diagnosis

Pruritus

Dermatologic/Immunologic Disorders

• Xerosis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Allergic reaction
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Poison Oak, Ivy, Sumac dermatitis
  • Allergic conjunctivitis
• Bullous pemphigoid
• Exfoliative erythroderma
• Miliaria (Heat Rash)
• Lichen sclerosus
• Blister chemical agents

Infection, Infection-associated, and Other Critters

• Varicella
• Pityriasis rosea, Erythema infectiosum
• Pruritic papular eruption of HIV
• Candida vulvovaginitis, Candida dermatitis
• Tinea
• Cercarial dermatitis
• Scabies, Lice, Bed bugs
• Herpes simplex
• Condyloma acuminata
• Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius, Fasciola hepatica, Loa loa, Dracunculiasis
  • Hymenoptera stings

Systemic Conditions

• Uremia
• Hyperbilirubinemia/cholestasis
• Hepatitis C
• Leukemia, Lymphoma
• Polycythemia vera
• Medication or drug of abuse adverse effect
• Psychiatric/psychogenic

Management

• Treat underlying condition
• Antihistamines, topical steroids often helpful

See Also

• Rash
• Pruritus ani
• Allergic reaction