Chronic pruritus is a multifaceted issue of our time

Chronic pruritus still causes difficulties not only for patients, but also for physicians. Dermatological diseases are the major cause of itching, however the list of triggers causing pruritus is much longer. Thus, many chronic diseases can be accompanied by itching, which has its own features. In some liver disorders (cholangitis, viral hepatitis), generalized pruritus often develops. Uremic pruritus in chronic kidney disease occurs in 50% of dialysis patients. Patients with diabetes mellitus also sometimes experience chronic pruritus that gets worse at night. Neuropathic pruritus is often accompanied by other discomforts, such as numbness or mild pain. Also, it should not be ruled out that a drug can become the cause of itching. The reaction to the drug can occur immediately or be delayed. With such a wide list of underlying causes of pruritus, its diagnosis and therapy becomes a complex task and requires the participation of several specialists to select the optimal therapy.

chronic pruritus, hepatic pruritus, uremic pruritus, drug pruritus, neuropathic pruritus, endocrine pruritus