Starting from Scratch: A Master Class in the Management of Refractory Systemic Pruritus (FR402)

Pruritus, or itch, is not the most common symptom seen in palliative care but can be very distressing and adversely affect quality of life. Described as an unpleasant sensation of the skin provoking the desire to scratch or rub, pruritus remains one of the most puzzling symptoms in advanced illness. Despite its rarity, there are a multitude of causes and equally greater number of therapies. Causes of pruritus include skin-specific and systemic causes. Whatever the origin, it has been proposed that itch is akin to pain, as both are thought to be transmitted from skin to central nervous system (CNS) through nociceptive small-caliber C nerve fibers.
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - Category: Palliative Care Authors: Source Type: research