Nancy K. Barnett, MD, 2016. "Pruritus (Chapter 184)", American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, Henry M. Adam, MD, FAAP, Deborah E. Campbell, MD, FAAP, Thomas G. DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP, Deepak M. Kamat, MD, PhD, FAAP, Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH, FAAP
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Pruritus, or itch, is the subjective perception of a cutaneous disturbance that is relieved by scratching or rubbing. It is usually not brought to the primary care physician’s attention unless it is generalized, chronic, or associated with an eruption. In such instances, however, pruritus must be treated with great respect because severe itching can be incapacitating. In addition, scratching or rubbing the itch can produce extensive disfigurement in the form of linear excoriations or lichenified plaques and can predispose the patient to cutaneous infections. Constant scratching can even cause social isolation because, at times, people view the child with pruritus...