title: The management of chronic pruritus in the elderly.
abstract: The elderly in North America represent the fastest growing segment of the population and the most common skin complaint in this age group is pruritus. The multitude of variables that come with advanced age means that the management of pruritus in the elderly poses a particular therapeutic challenge. Pruritus in advanced age may result from a variety of etiologies, although xerosis is the most common. In addition, certain cutaneous and systemic diseases that are associated with pruritus are more prevalent in the elderly. At present, there is no universally accepted therapy for pruritus. Currently, management of pruritus in the elderly must take an individualistically tailored approach with consideration of the patient's general health, the severity of symptoms, and the adverse effects of treatment. Physical and cognitive limitations, multiple comorbid conditions, and polypharmacy are some aspects that can influence the choice of treatment in this age group.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Tejesh
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Gil
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yosipovitch
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000982:Antipruritics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002186:Cannabinoids; D002211:Capsaicin; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008610:Menthol; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods; D011537:Pruritus / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D020156:Salicylic Acid; D015595:Skin Aging
chemical_list: D000982:Antipruritics; D002186:Cannabinoids; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents; D004643:Emollients; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D008610:Menthol; D020156:Salicylic Acid; D002211:Capsaicin