Itch in Special Skin Locations Management

Curr Probl Dermatol. 2016:50:111-5. doi: 10.1159/000446051. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Abstract

Itch management can be particularly complicated in some small areas like the scalp or the anogenital region for many reasons: the frequently poor diagnosis of the causes of itch in these areas, the dense innervation of these areas, and the symbolic value of these areas for the human psyche. The diagnosis of itchy scalp is easier than that of anogenital pruritus. Clinical examination and a careful inventory of all diseases of the patient and of the local environment are necessary. Localized treatments are frequently used at both sites, whereas specific pharmaceutical formulations are necessary for the pilose or the mucous environment. Nonetheless, systemic treatments or psychological interventions can be very useful.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Candidiasis / complications
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma in Situ / complications
  • Carcinoma in Situ / surgery*
  • Dermatitis, Seborrheic / complications
  • Dermatitis, Seborrheic / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Male / drug therapy*
  • Genital Diseases, Male / etiology
  • Hemorrhoids / complications
  • Hemorrhoids / surgery
  • Humans
  • Keratolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lichenoid Eruptions / complications
  • Lichenoid Eruptions / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Polidocanol
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use
  • Pruritus / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Pruritus Ani / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus Ani / etiology
  • Pruritus Vulvae / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus Vulvae / etiology
  • Psoriasis / complications
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy
  • Scabies / complications
  • Scabies / drug therapy
  • Scalp Dermatoses / complications
  • Scalp Dermatoses / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Keratolytic Agents
  • Polidocanol
  • Polyethylene Glycols