Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Pruritus and Itching Disorders
Number of Conditions: 3
Chronic Pruritus
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions
Sub-category: Pruritus and Itching Disorders
Symptoms:
persistent itching lasting over six weeks; may involve any part of the body; often worse at night
Root Cause:
Associated with systemic diseases, skin disorders, or idiopathic causes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; testing for underlying conditions.
Treatment:
Treat underlying cause; symptomatic relief with antihistamines or emollients.
Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine ) – for itching. Topical corticosteroids – for inflammatory causes.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Dry skin, systemic diseases (e.g., liver disease, kidney failure).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the cause; symptom management is often effective.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Skin damage from scratching; Infections
Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions
Sub-category: Pruritus and Itching Disorders
Symptoms:
thickened, scaly skin plaques; intense itching; commonly affects neck, wrists, or ankles
Root Cause:
Chronic scratching or rubbing leads to localized skin thickening.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; biopsy if uncertain.
Treatment:
Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and behavior modification to reduce scratching.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., betamethasone ). Antihistamines – for itching relief.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, particularly in individuals with chronic itching disorders.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, eczema, or psoriasis.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with consistent treatment; relapses are common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Skin infections; Scarring
Prurigo Nodularis
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Other Dermatologic Conditions
Sub-category: Pruritus and Itching Disorders
Symptoms:
itchy, firm nodules; lesions commonly on arms and legs; skin thickening and darkening from chronic scratching
Root Cause:
Chronic itching and scratching, often linked to systemic or dermatologic conditions.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and examination; biopsy if needed.
Treatment:
Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or phototherapy.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids. Gabapentin – for neuropathic itching.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; more common in middle-aged adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Atopic dermatitis, systemic diseases, stress.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; improvement with treatment but relapses are common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infections; Scarring; Psychological distress