Pruritus Senilis

Pruritus Senilis: Prevention

To prevent pruritus senilis (pruritus of old age), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Malnutrition Spices (e.g. chili) Drug use Cocaine Opiates or opioids (alfentanil, apomorphine, buprenorphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, loperamide, morphine, methadone, nalbuphine, naloxone, naltrexone, oxycodone, pentazocine, pethidine, piritramide, remifentanil, sufentanil, tapentadol, tilidine, tramadol) Psycho-social situation … Pruritus Senilis: Prevention

Pruritus Senilis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may occur with pruritus senilis (pruritus senilis): Erythema (areal redness of the skin). Xeroderma (dry skin) Papules (skin nodules) In old age itch easily sebaceous gland-poor body regions (arms, esp. upper arms and legs, esp. lower legs). Warning signs (red flags) Initial manifestation (first illness) of florid (“flaring”) eczema in … Pruritus Senilis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Pruritus Senilis: Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) The most common cause of generalized pruritus senilis is dehydration of the skin. In older age, due to the reduction of lipid production (sebostasis) in the stratus corneum (horny cell layer), xeroderma (xerosis cuti: “dry skin“) results in chronic pruritus (pruritus senilis; most common cause of pruritus in old age). The … Pruritus Senilis: Causes

Pruritus Senilis: Therapy

General measures Avoiding factors that promote skin dryness (frequent washing and bathing, dry climate, sauna); bathing time maximum 20 minutes. Review of food especially food additives also allergenic or pseudoallergenic effect (see psuedoallergy). Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease Note: Also drugs and their ingredients (eg hydroxyethyl starch, HES) can … Pruritus Senilis: Therapy

Pruritus Senilis: Medical History

The anamnesis (medical history) represents an important component in the diagnosis of pruritus senilis (pruritus of old age). Family history Social history What is your occupation? Are you exposed to harmful working substances in your profession? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic … Pruritus Senilis: Medical History

Pruritus Senilis: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Pruritus is a symptom that can occur with many different conditions. Respiratory System (J00-J99). Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Blood, blood-forming organs – immune system (D50-D90). Iron deficiency anemia (anemia due to iron deficiency). Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Iron deficiency Diabetes insipidus – hormone deficiency-related disorder in hydrogen metabolism, resulting in extremely high urine … Pruritus Senilis: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Pruritus Senilis: Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by pruritus senilis (pruritus senilis): Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Desiccation Eczema (synonyms: Desiccation eczema; Asteatosis cutis; Asteatotic eczema; Desiccation eczema; Dermatitis sicca; Eczema craquelée; Desiccation dermatitis; Exsiccation eczematid; Xerotic eczema); clinical presentation: reticular tears of the cornea resembling a dried riverbed and … Pruritus Senilis: Complications

Pruritus Senilis: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing) of the entire skin not just the itchy area! Skin and sclerae (white part of the eye) [erythema (areal redness of the skin), xeroderma (dry skin), papules (skin nodules)] … Pruritus Senilis: Examination

Pruritus Senilis: Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Differential blood count Ferritin – if iron deficiency anemia is suspected. Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Urine status (rapid test for: pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, ketone, urobilinogen, bilirubin, blood), sediment, if necessary urine culture (pathogen … Pruritus Senilis: Test and Diagnosis

Pruritus Senilis: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic target Elimination or improvement/relief of symptoms. Therapy recommendations First search for the cause and adequate treatment of the same. Mild pruritus and skin dryness; treatment primarily with: Externa, ie hydrating, refatting basic care in the form of creams, ointments or lotions (esp. after showering and bathing). Pruritus senilis – in addition to re-lubricating basic … Pruritus Senilis: Drug Therapy

Pruritus Senilis: Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal sonography (ultrasound examination of abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics. X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes. Computed tomography (CT; sectional imaging procedure (X-ray images from … Pruritus Senilis: Diagnostic Tests

Pruritus Senilis: Micronutrient Therapy

Within the framework of micronutrient medicine, the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used for supportive therapy: Omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid The above vital substance recommendations were created with the help of medical experts. All statements are supported by scientific studies with high levels of evidence. For a therapy recommendation, only clinical studies with the … Pruritus Senilis: Micronutrient Therapy