Pruritus

Abstract

Key Features: Pruritus can be directly evoked in the skin by chemical mediators. Pruritus can also be generated or modified in the CNS independently of peripheral stimulation. Chronic pruritus is based on same cutaneous neurobiology as acute itch, but central mechanisms are subjected to neuroplasticity resulting in sensitization toward itch. Clinical characteristics of pruritus allow only to a certain degree to conclude the underlying causes but may offer an algorithm for diagnosis. Administration of agonists or antagonists at cutaneous sensory neuroreceptors may inhibit of pruritus. Treatment of chronic pruritus demands development of new substances directly acting at neuronal structures in the skin or the CNS © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.