Clinical practice. Chronic pruritus

Abstract

This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they exist. The article ends with the authors' clinical recommendations. Case: An otherwise healthy 55-year-old man reports that he has been itchy all over for 6 months. The itch interferes with falling asleep and wakes him repeatedly during the night. Initially, there was no rash, but during the past 4 months, itchy nodules and plaques have developed on his back, arms, and legs. Treatment with sedating and nonsedating oral antihistamines and topical glucocorticoids has had no effect. How would you evaluate and manage this case?