Itching (Pruritus): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps:

  • General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body 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)]
    • Palpation (palpation) of the thyroid gland [due todifferential diagnoses: hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism), hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism)]
    • Palpation (palpation) of the abdomen (abdomen), etc.
  • Dermatological examination [due topossible sequelae: Skin damage, especially scratched skin, scarring, recurrent (recurrent) itching].
  • If necessary, consiliar Vorstellungen (internal medicine, gynecology, urology, neurology, psychosomatics).
  • Cancer screening
  • Health check

Square brackets [ ] indicate possible pathological (pathological) physical findings.