Pruritus - essential symptom in dermatology

Abstract

Introduction: Pruritus is a symptom frequently reported in dermatological consultations. It is a subjective skin reaction leading to a need, which varies in intensity, to scratch oneself. This may be localized or generalized to the whole of the body, may be physiological and temporaiy, and may vary in its severity. It is extremely irritating and may reveal a pathological condition. Diagnosing pruritus is still a constant problem because the frequently use of self-medication and harmful cultural practices which may delay the diagnosis. Purpose and Objectives: Studying the aspects of etiology, clinical evolution of pruritus in a specialized environment. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 1337 patients whose main accuse was itching, hospitalized in IM SP Hospital Dermatology and Communicable Diseases during January 2013 - December 2013. Results: Over the study period, 1337 patients(whose the main accuse was pruritus), were drafted into the study of a total of 2441 (who were hospitalized in 2013). This concerned 634 women(47%) and 704 men(53%), which was a gender ratio M :F=l,12:l. The age of patients varied from 18 to 87 years, the majority of patients with itching refers to the age group 46-62 years (39,41%), residing in a urban environment 58,1%(777 cases). Was observed the predominance of pruritus in summer 29,84% of cases, this is probably linked to the summer temperature, UV-razes and transpiration. In this study was revealed the prevalence of moderate pruritus in 77% of patients, which in dependence of period of appearance was temporary 38%, with the most severe cases in summer 33,49%. The majority of patients had generalized skin process 60,73%, the most affected region was the scalp-32.38%, this was probably linked to the high-frequency of Acnes Vulgaris, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Allergic contact dermatitis. Pruritus is related in 43,83% cases of Skin diseases of unknown etiology, allergic disorders (Dermatitis, Urticaria, Prurigo, Eczema) represented 33,96%. The most severe cases with pruritus were reported at the patients with allergic disorders. Conclusion: Pruritus is the most common symptom reported in dermatological consultations, approximately every second patient accuses itching. It reveals a pathological condition, and may affect unfavorably the quality of life. It is very important to identify its etiology, and to begin an adequate treatment that will improve the quality of patient’s life.