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Pruritus in older people

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2013

KS Chen  and
PD Yesudian
KS Chen*
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl, UK
PD Yesudian
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr K.S. Chen, Department of Dermatology, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhuddlan Road, Bodelwyddan, Rhyl, Denbighshire LL18 5UJ. Email: kunsen@hotmail.com
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Summary

Pruritus in older people is caused by a wide range of dermatological, systemic, neurological and psychogenic diseases. It can also be attributed to various cutaneous drug reactions. The dermatological, neurological and immunological changes associated with ageing predispose older people to pruritus of a wide range of aetiologies. The most common cause of pruritus in older people is xerosis, or dry skin. Regular use of emollients is the mainstay of treatment for pruritus of any cause, with general measures aiming to ensure optimal skin hydration and to prevent the itch–scratch cycle. Topical treatments are generally better tolerated for localized pruritus. Anti-histamines are the predominant agents to treat pruritus, but can be inadequate in many cases. Numerous other systemic agents have been demonstrated to alleviate pruritus depending on the cause, but may be limited by their adverse effects. This article reviews the current published literature on pruritus in older people, with a practical approach to its evaluation and management in non-specialist settings.

Keywords

pruritusitcholder peopleelderly
Type
Clinical geriatrics
Information
Reviews in Clinical Gerontology , Volume 23 , Issue 1 , February 2013 , pp. 1 - 14
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013

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