[Pruritus in children].

Abstract

Itching is usually manifested by scratching. It is lacking before three months of age. The practitioner must determine whether itching is generalised or localised and whether a skin disease is present. The main skin diseases responsible for generalised itching are scabies, atopic dermatitis, urticaria and papular urticaria. When itching is localised, contact dermatitis or pediculosis are usually responsible. Diagnosis rests on careful analysis of symptoms. In patients without skin lesions, an external cause (irritation, environment) or an internal cause (cholestasis, chronic uraemia, lymphoma, drug and psychological problems) should be considered. Therapy should be causal when possible. If not, antihistaminic drugs should be used.

• Authors: C Dangoisse, C Goossens
• Journal: Revue medicale de Bruxelles (Rev Med Brux) 1994 Jul-Aug Vol. 15 Issue 4 Pg. 161-5 ISSN: 0035-3639 [Print] Belgium
• Vernacular Title: Le prurit de l'enfant.
• PMID: 7938981 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dermatitis, Contact (diagnosis)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Infant
• Lice Infestations (diagnosis)
• Parasitic Diseases (complications, diagnosis)
• Prurigo (diagnosis)
• Pruritus (diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
• Pruritus Ani (diagnosis, etiology)
• Skin Diseases (complications, diagnosis)