Chronischer Pruritus: Epidemiologie, Diagnostik und Behandlung

In der dermatologischen Praxis ist chronischer Pruritus ein alltägliches Symptom, das viele Patienten belastet. Diverse Dermatosen gehen mit diesem Symptom einher, jedoch liegt nicht immer eine Hauterkrankung dem Symptom des chronischen Pruritus zugrunde. Dieser Artikel gibt eine Übersicht über die verschiedenen Ursachen des chronischen Pruritus und zeigt anhand von Beispielen leitliniengerecht mögliche diagnostische und therapeutische Maßnahmen.

Abstract

Dermatologists encounter daily patients with chronic pruritus, who are severely affected by this condition. Several dermatoses induce pruritus, however a skin disease does not always underlie chronic pruritus. Pruritus is considered chronic when it lasts for at least 6 weeks. In the course of the condition and when severe scratching behavior ensues, chronic prurigo may develop in these patients. A deep understanding of the possible etiologies of chronic pruritus as well as the recommended diagnostic and therapeutic approach is of the utmost importance for dermatologists. The clinical categorization of chronic pruritus in 1) chronic pruritus on inflamed skin, 2) chronic pruritus on normal appearing skin, and 3) chronic pruritus accompanied by chronic scratch lesions is essential for diagnostic and therapeutic guidance.

This article aims to provide an overview on the different possible etiologies of chronic pruritus and resorts to clinical cases to demonstrate recommended diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

Schlüsselwörter

chronischer Pruritus - Pathophysiologie - klinische Einteilung - Diagnostik - Therapie

Keywords

chronic pruritus - pathophysiology - clinical classification - diagnostics - therapy

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