Pruritus in the elderly |
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Authors: | Reich Adam Ständer Sonja Szepietowski Jacek C |
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Institution: | a Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 1, 50-368 Wroclaw, Polandb Neurodermatology and Competence Center Pruritus, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Von-Esmarch-Strasse 58, D-48149 Münster, Germany |
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Abstract: | Pruritus is an unpleasant sensation leading to the desire to scratch. It is the most common symptom in dermatology, and various skin and systemic diseases can be associated with the presence of itching. Pruritus may also be provoked by numerous drugs. Although the exact epidemiologic data are still absent, it is generally accepted that elderly people frequently suffer from pruritus, and the problem of itching in this population remains a challenge for clinicians. The elderly often complain of numerous comorbidities that complicate the determination of the cause of pruritus, as well as its treatment. Physical and mental deprivation may complicate proper assessment of pruritus severity and negatively impair compliance with complex antipruritic therapies. Taking also into account heterogeneity of possible causes of pruritus, every patient with pruritus must be handled individually, regarding the diagnostic procedures and antipruritic therapy. |
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