title: [Pruritus: diagnostic strategy and therapeutic approach].
abstract: Pruritus, defined as an abnormal cutaneous sensation that will provoke the desire to scratch, is the leading symptom of cutaneous disorders. However, some pruritus will be the only sign of several internal pathologies. More than hundreds etiologies are possibles. That is why a diagnostic algorithm is necessary for an optimal care and to define which investigations to make. This algorithm will distinguish localized pruritus and diffuse pruritus. The presence of specifics cutaneous lesions will be constitute a great help for making diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Département Inter-Hospitalier Universitaire de Dermatologie des C.H.U. Brugmann, H.U.D.E.R.F. et Saint-Pierre, Bruxelles. philippe.provost@chu-brugmann.be
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Provost
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dangoisse
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000150:complications; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology