Pruritus

Introduction to Pruritus

Welcome to the Pruritus subsection of the Dermatology for the MSRA course.

This section is designed to provide comprehensive and structured learning materials to help you understand and master the topic of Pruritus for the MSRA.

Resources for Pruritus:

Pruritus Revision Notes for MSRA: Detailed and concise traditional revision notes covering all essential aspects of Pruritus, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. These notes are designed using UK NICE guidelines. Use the notes to gain an initial understanding of the topic.
Pruritus Flashcards for MSRA: Interactive flashcards to help you memorise key facts and concepts about Pruritus. These are perfect for quick reviews and reinforcing your knowledge.
Pruritus Accordion Q&A Notes for the MSRA: A unique feature where you can test your understanding of Pruritus with question-and-answer style revision notes. This format helps in active learning and retention of important information.
Pruritus Rapid Fire Quiz for MSRA: A short quiz to test your knowledge and recall of Pruritus-related concepts. This is an excellent way to assess your progress and identify areas that need further review.

We hope you find these resources helpful and engaging as you prepare for the MSRA.

Key Points about Pruritus

Definition: Pruritus is the medical term for itching, a symptom that may be caused by various dermatological or systemic conditions, leading to an urge to scratch.
Causes:
- Dermatological causes: Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and urticaria.
- Systemic causes: Liver disease, renal failure, thyroid dysfunction, haematological disorders, and certain cancers.
- Neurological causes: Nerve damage or conditions like multiple sclerosis.
- Medications: Opiates, ACE inhibitors, and some antibiotics.
Symptoms:
- Persistent itching, which may be generalised or localised.
- Skin changes such as dryness, erythema (redness), or scaling in cases of dermatological conditions.
- Secondary skin damage, such as excoriations or lichenification, due to chronic scratching.
Investigations:
- Clinical history and physical examination to identify underlying causes.
- Blood tests to assess for systemic causes (e.g., liver function tests, renal profile, thyroid function tests).
- Skin biopsy if an underlying dermatological condition is suspected but unclear.
Management:
- Topical treatments: Emollients, corticosteroids, or antihistamines depending on the underlying condition.
- Systemic treatments: Antihistamines, immunosuppressants, or treating the underlying cause (e.g., addressing liver or kidney disease).
- Lifestyle modifications: Avoidance of triggers, such as hot showers, and use of gentle skincare products.
Complications:
- Chronic pruritus can lead to sleep disturbances and reduced quality of life.
- Secondary infections due to skin damage from excessive scratching.
- Psychological distress due to persistent itching.

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Free MSRA Podcast: Pruritus

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PBBeAl6ApZut36JH7FMw0?si=ZQ-s91omQYCLWg-dBLjFeQ