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[[image:ballsitch.jpg|right|thumb|300px|A wonderful t-shirt, available from [http://www.zazzle.com/my_balls_itch_tshirt-235239622561273053 zazzle.com]]] | |||
===What is itch?=== | ===What is itch?=== | ||
Itch, also known as | Itch, also known as pruritus, is a feeling of uncomfortability, only momentarily relieved by contact such as scratching. It is a common [[dermatological]] complaint, although can occasionally be a sign of something more serious. | ||
===Skin causes=== | ===Skin causes=== | ||
| Line 7: | Line 8: | ||
*Contact [[dermatitis]] | *Contact [[dermatitis]] | ||
*[[Psoriasis]] | *[[Psoriasis]] | ||
*[[Urticaria]] | |||
However, almost all skin conditions can present with itching | However, almost all skin conditions can present with itching | ||
===Systemic causes=== | ===Systemic causes=== | ||
*[[Chronic renal failure]] | |||
*[[Jaundice]] | |||
*[[Diabetes]] | |||
*[[Leukaemia]] | |||
*[[Lymphoma]] | |||
There are others, including [[anaemia]] and [[thyroid]] and [[neurological]] problems. | |||
===Examination=== | |||
*Look for a [[rash]] | |||
*Look for signs of liver failure | |||
*Hepatosplenomegaly | |||
*Enlarged [[lymph]] nodes | |||
===Investigations=== | |||
You would usually do these to exclude the more serious causes | |||
*[[Blood tests]] - [[FBC]], [[U&Es]], [[LFTs]], [[Fasting Glucose]], [[Ferritin]], [[TFTs]], [[ESR]] | |||
*[[Chest Xray]] | |||
===Treatment=== | |||
Latest revision as of 03:10, 5 February 2011
A wonderful t-shirt, available from zazzle.com
What is itch?
Itch, also known as pruritus, is a feeling of uncomfortability, only momentarily relieved by contact such as scratching. It is a common dermatological complaint, although can occasionally be a sign of something more serious.
Skin causes
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Contact dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Urticaria
However, almost all skin conditions can present with itching
Systemic causes
There are others, including anaemia and thyroid and neurological problems.
Examination
Investigations
You would usually do these to exclude the more serious causes
- Blood tests - FBC, U&Es, LFTs, Fasting Glucose, Ferritin, TFTs, ESR
- Chest Xray