Pruritus

Question 1

What does pruritus mean?

Answer 1

itchy

Question 2

What chemical mediators cause itch?

Answer 2

Histamine, acetylcholine, interleukin 2, substance P

Question 3

What is the nerve transmission involved in itch?

Answer 3

Unmyelinated C fibres

Question 4

What anti-itch treatments are available?

Answer 4

Sedative anti-histamines like piritin
Emollients, especially cooled in the fridge. 
Antidepressants- including SSRIs
Phototherapy
Opiate antagonists e.g. ondansetron

Question 5

What medication would you give if the itch was caused by biliary obstruction?

Answer 5

Ursodeoxycholic acid