Main description:

Numerous treatments have been proposed. But the treatment of itch remains difficult and it depends on its etiology. The understanding of the pathophysiogeny of itch is necessary. Fortunately, many very interesting results of research have been reported in the recent years. "Pruritis" will explain the pathophysiogeny of itch, describe all causes, and give guidelines for management and treatment.

Contents:

Neurophysiology.- Neuroanatomy of Itch.- Neuroreceptors and Neuromediators.- The Brain in the Skin: Neuro-Epidermal Synapses.- Central Transmission: From Skin to Brain.- Modulation of Pruritus: Peripheral and Central Sensitisation.- Interaction of Pruritus and Pain.- Neuroimaging.- Measurement of Itch.- Experimental Models of Itch.- Clinics.- Pruritus, Pain and Other Abnormal Skin Sensations.- The Epidemiology of Pruritus.- Classification.- Examination of Patients.- Inflammatory Diseases.- Pruritus in Autoimmune Diseases.- Urticaria.- Pruritic Skin Diseases in Travellers.- Pruritus in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma.- Anal Pruritus.- Secondary Reactive Conditions in Pruritic Skin.- Aquadynia and Aquagenic Pruritus.- Sensitive Skin.- Neurogenic Pruritus with Cerebral and/or Medullary Abnormalities.- Localized Neuropathic Pruritus.- Brachioradial Pruritus.- Other Neurological Causes of Itch.- Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus.- Pruritus in Patients with Hepatobiliary Diseases.- Endocrine Diseases.- Pruritus in the Course of Malignancy.- Drugs.- Interaction Between Pruritus and Stress or Other Psychosomatic Factors.- Psychosomatic Aspects and Psychiatric Conditions.- Psychosomatics and Psychiatry.- Psychogenic Pruritus.- Pruritus in Children.- Pruritus Vulvae.- Treatment.- General Principles and Guidelines.- Menthol.- Capsaicin.- Topical Immunomodulators.- Cannabinoid-Receptor Agonists.- Other Topical Treatments.- Antihistamines.- Anticonvulsants for the Treatment of Pruritus.- Opioid Receptor Antagonists or Agonists.- Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Other Antidepressants in the Treatment of Chronic Pruritus.- Systemic Immunosuppressants in the Treatment of Pruritus.- Other Systemic Treatments.- Psychological Intervention.- Ultraviolet Phototherapy of Pruritus.- Itch and Acupuncture.- Future Perspectives: Outlook.