title: Habit reversal training for the itch-scratch cycle associated with pruritic skin conditions.
abstract: Habit reversal therapy was originally developed by Azrin and Nunn in 1977 as a multicomponent treatment for nervous tics and habits. Their premise for clinical intervention was that an old habit can be broken by replacing it with a new, more desirable habit. Dermatology nurses trained in habit reversal therapy can enhance system management and quality of life for patients. Recommendations for the evaluation of habit reversal in patients with eczema and prurigo nodularis are made.
authors.affiliation: Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia.
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grillo
authors.forename: Randall
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Long
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004485:Eczema / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011536:Prurigo / Q000150:complications; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000150:complications; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012193:Reversal Learning; D012307:Risk Factors