Pruritus--itching for a cause and relief?
The mechanisms of pruritus, an unpleasant irritation on the skin that provokes an urge to scratch, are reviewed. Whilst symptomatic treatment is only partially effective, antihistamines remain the first choice of treatment. However, recent novel treatment using opiate antagonists, propofol (subhypnotic doses) and serotonin antagonists offer attractive alternatives.
Kam
P C
PC
Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, N.S.W., Australia.
Tan
K H
KH
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D009420:Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid