Świąd skóry (pruritus)
Epidemiologia

Świąd skóry (pruritus) jest powszechnym objawem dermatologicznym i ogólnomedycznym, dotykającym 7-17% populacji europejskiej, z przewlekłym świądem (>6 tygodni) występującym u 8-16% dorosłych. Występowanie świądu wzrasta z wiekiem, osiągając około 21% u osób ≥60 lat, a także jest częstsze u kobiet i osób o niższym statusie społeczno-ekonomicznym. Świąd towarzyszy wielu chorobom skóry, takim jak atopowe zapalenie skóry (100% pacjentów), łuszczyca (70-90%) oraz różnym postaciom wyprysku (do 97%). Ponadto, świąd jest objawem chorób ogólnoustrojowych, w tym przewlekłej niewydolności nerek (10-70% pacjentów dializowanych), pierwotnej marskości żółciowej (60% na początku choroby) oraz choroby Hodgkina (35%). Przewlekły świąd o nieznanej przyczynie (CPUO) dotyka 7-46% osób starszych i wiąże się z ciężkim świądem, zaburzeniami snu, depresją i lękiem, co podkreśla potrzebę skutecznych terapii.

  1. Epidemiologia świądu skóry (pruritus)
    1. Rozpowszechnienie świądu w populacji ogólnej
    2. Czynniki demograficzne wpływające na występowanie świądu
    3. Częstotliwość występowania świądu w chorobach skóry
    4. Świąd w chorobach ogólnoustrojowych
    5. Świąd o nieznanej przyczynie
    6. Świąd wywoływany lekami
    7. Znaczenie dla zdrowia publicznego
  2. Tendencje epidemiologiczne w świądzie skóry
    1. Hipoteza higieniczna a świąd skóry
    2. Czynniki psychospołeczne i świąd
  3. Luki w danych epidemiologicznych
    1. Ograniczone dane w populacjach pediatrycznych
    2. Ograniczone badania w chorobach ogólnoustrojowych
  4. Obciążenie zdrowotne i ekonomiczne
    1. Wpływ na jakość życia
    2. Wpływ na wykorzystanie zasobów opieki zdrowotnej
    3. Kolejne rozdziały

Epidemiologia świądu skóry (pruritus)

Świąd skóry (pruritus) jest jednym z najczęstszych objawów w dermatologii i medycynie ogólnej. Dotyka znaczącą część populacji, stanowiąc istotne obciążenie dla pacjentów i systemów opieki zdrowotnej. Dane epidemiologiczne wskazują, że problem świądu dotyka osoby w różnym wieku, a jego występowanie jest związane z wieloma czynnikami, w tym chorobami podstawowymi, wiekiem, płcią i uwarunkowaniami geograficznymi.12

Rozpowszechnienie świądu w populacji ogólnej

Badania epidemiologiczne wskazują, że około 7-17% populacji europejskiej doświadcza świądu w różnych postaciach. Według przekrojowych badań przeprowadzonych w Niemczech wśród 11 730 pracowników, przewlekły świąd (trwający ponad sześć tygodni) występował u około 16% badanych. Z kolei badanie obejmujące prawie 19 000 dorosłych w Norwegii wykazało częstość występowania przewlekłego świądu w populacji ogólnej na poziomie około 8%.12

Inne badania wskazują, że co najmniej jedna czwarta populacji europejskiej cierpi na chorobę skóry przynajmniej raz w życiu, a świąd jest najczęstszym objawem towarzyszącym tym schorzeniom. Niemieckie badanie pilotażowe przeprowadzone na próbie populacji ogólnej (n = 200) wykazało punktową częstość występowania przewlekłego świądu na poziomie 13,9%, co sugeruje potencjalnie wyższe rozpowszechnienie przewlekłego świądu w populacji ogólnej niż wcześniej raportowano.13

Globalne szacunki wskazują, że około 280 milionów ludzi na świecie (około 4% populacji) ma problemy związane ze świądem. Dane te są porównywalne z 2-3% populacji cierpiącej na łuszczycę.45

Czynniki demograficzne wpływające na występowanie świądu

Wiek, płeć i inne czynniki demograficzne mogą wpływać na ryzyko występowania świądu. Świąd jest szczególnie częsty u osób starszych. Sucha skóra (xerosis) jest prawdopodobnie najczęstszą przyczyną świądu w tej populacji. Dodatkowymi częstymi przyczynami świądu u osób starszych są zmiany neuropatyczne i immunosenescencja (związane z wiekiem zmiany w układzie odpornościowym).12

Duże badanie epidemiologiczne przeprowadzone w Niemczech wykazało wzrost częstości występowania świądu od 12,3% wśród młodych dorosłych (16-30 lat) do 20,3% wśród osób w wieku 61-70 lat. Metaanaliza wykazała, że ogólna łączna częstość występowania świądu u osób starszych (w wieku 60 lat i więcej) wynosi około 21%.34

Świąd jest często obserwowany w czasie ciąży. Według badań, świąd jest wiodącym objawem dermatologicznym w ciąży, szacowanym na około 18% wszystkich ciąż.56

Płeć również odgrywa rolę w występowaniu świądu. Badania wskazują, że świąd częściej występuje u kobiet. W badaniu samooceny chorobowości przeprowadzonym w Norwegii, pacjenci zgłaszający świąd byli młodsi, przeważnie płci żeńskiej i bardziej zestresowani; mieli niższe dochody, słabsze wsparcie społeczne i doświadczyli więcej negatywnych wydarzeń życiowych.78

Różnice etniczne również mają znaczenie. Świąd był zgłaszany znacznie częściej przez mężczyzn z Azji Wschodniej (18%) i Bliskiego Wschodu/Północnej Afryki (13%). Badania sugerują, że świąd jest bardziej powszechny wśród osób o niższym statusie społeczno-ekonomicznym i niższych dochodach gospodarstw domowych. Zgłaszanie świądu wydaje się być związane z pochodzeniem etnicznym w zachodnich społecznościach miejskich.910

Częstotliwość występowania świądu w chorobach skóry

Świąd jest częstym objawem wielu chorób skóry. W badaniu wieloośrodkowym obejmującym 3530 pacjentów dermatologicznych, 54,3% zgłosiło świąd, podczas gdy w grupie kontrolnej 1094 osób ze zdrową skórą tylko 8% doświadczało świądu. Przewlekły świąd był zgłaszany przez 36,9% pacjentów i 4,7% osób z grupy kontrolnej.1112

Świąd jest głównym objawem atopowego zapalenia skóry – wszyscy pacjenci z tą chorobą prawdopodobnie doświadczają świądu w pewnym momencie choroby. Podobnie, około 70-90% pacjentów z łuszczycą odczuwa świąd. W badaniu przekrojowym wieloośrodkowym przeprowadzonym wśród pacjentów ambulatoryjnych z wypryskiem z 39 szpitali trzeciego stopnia w Chinach kontynentalnych, świąd był bardzo powszechny (97%, 8499/8758).1314

Trzy najczęstsze podtypy zapalenia skóry z ciężkim świądem to atopowe zapalenie skóry (30,4%), rozległy wyprysk (30,1%) i wyprysk asteatotyczny (27,9%). Zaobserwowano pozytywną korelację między nasileniem świądu a proporcjami różnych chorób na podstawie testów trendu, w tym atopowego zapalenia skóry, rozległego wyprysku, wyprysku asteatotycznego i zapalenia skóry z autoimmunizacji.1516

Świąd w chorobach ogólnoustrojowych

Świąd może być również objawem chorób ogólnoustrojowych. Choroby ogólnoustrojowe mogą powodować uogólniony świąd, czasem nazywany świądem metabolicznym. W tych przypadkach nie ma nic złego w samej skórze, przynajmniej dopóki nie zostanie ona podrapana.17

Choroba podstawowa ogólnoustrojowa jest raportowana u 10-50% pacjentów, którzy szukają pomocy medycznej z powodu świądu. W analizie retrospektywnej, pacjenci szukający opieki z powodu świądu byli bardziej skłonni do równoczesnej diagnozy raka niż pacjenci bez świądu (iloraz szans [OR], 5,76; 95% przedział ufności, 5,53-6,00).1819

Częstość występowania świądu w przewlekłej niewydolności nerek i u pacjentów poddawanych dializie waha się na całym świecie między 10% a 70%. Nowsze dane wskazują, że częstość występowania świądu mocznicowego wydaje się zmniejszać wśród pacjentów poddawanych hemodializie, najprawdopodobniej z powodu ulepszeń w technice hemodializy.2021

Według analizy danych z badania Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), dużego, trwającego, międzynarodowego badania obserwacyjnego pacjentów z przewlekłą chorobą nerek, 67% z 23 264 pacjentów poddawanych hemodializie doświadczało pewnej formy przewlekłego świądu, przy czym 37% oceniało go jako umiarkowanie dokuczliwy, a 19% jako bardzo lub niezwykle dokuczliwy.22

Częstość występowania świądu cholestatycznego zależy od etiologii podstawowej. Około 60% pacjentów z pierwotną marskością żółciową zgłasza świąd na początku choroby, a prawie wszyscy rozwijają świąd w pewnym momencie przebiegu choroby.2324

Wśród pacjentów z czerwienicą prawdziwą, 48-70% pacjentów ma świąd wodny (aquagenic pruritus). Świąd jest również powszechnie związany z chorobą Hodgkina – około 35% pacjentów z chorobą Hodgkina ma świąd w trakcie przebiegu klinicznego, podczas gdy tylko około 10% ma świąd związany z chłoniakiem nie-Hodgkina.2526

Świąd o nieznanej przyczynie

Przewlekły świąd o nieznanej przyczynie (CPUO, chronic pruritus of unknown origin) to częste schorzenie, które jest niedostatecznie rozpoznawane i diagnozowane. Pomimo bycia powszechnym schorzeniem i występowania u prawie 30% osób starszych w niektórych populacjach, większość pacjentów cierpi na CPUO przez lata z powodu nieadekwatnego leczenia świądu i musi przejść rozległą diagnostykę.27

CPUO to wysoce rozpowszechniona i obciążająca choroba, która według doniesień występuje u 7-46% osób starszych w różnych krajach, chociaż jej diagnoza nie ogranicza się do osób starszych. Przyczyna świądu nigdy nie jest określana u nawet 44,5% pacjentów (świąd o nieznanej przyczynie).2829

Istnieje duże obciążenie związane z CPUO, przy czym około połowa pacjentów zgłasza ciężki do bardzo ciężkiego świąd, który jest znacząco związany z zaburzeniami snu, depresją i lękiem, co dodatkowo zaostrza świąd.3031

Świąd wywoływany lekami

Epidemiologia świądu wywołanego lekami jest nieznana. Ogólnie, niepożądane reakcje na leki są częstsze u starszych pacjentów i u pacjentów przyjmujących wiele leków. Świąd może rozpocząć się w ciągu kilku godzin lub do kilku tygodni po pierwszym podaniu odpowiedzialnego leku. Po zaprzestaniu stosowania leku wywołującego, świąd może utrzymywać się przez dni do miesięcy przed ustąpieniem.32

Osoby otrzymujące cytotoksyczną chemioterapię, radioterapię i/lub biologiczne modyfikatory odpowiedzi w leczeniu nowotworów prawdopodobnie doświadczą świądu.33

Znaczenie dla zdrowia publicznego

Objaw przewlekłego świądu stanowi ogólnoświatowe obciążenie zarówno dla społeczności, jak i dla określonych populacji. Świąd jest często ignorowany jako objaw choroby w badaniach klinicznych. Badanie przewlekłego świądu w populacji ogólnej i chorej przyczynia się do opisu obciążenia chorobowością skóry i powinno zwrócić uwagę lekarzy i innych świadczeniodawców opieki zdrowotnej, w tym planistów opieki zdrowotnej.34

Objaw przewlekłego świądu stanowi wyzwanie nie tylko dla klinicystów, ale także w strukturze regionalnych systemów opieki zdrowotnej oraz w zakresie dostępności do wyspecjalizowanych lekarzy w krajach nieeuropejskich. Opublikowane badania pokazują, że objaw świądu jest wysoce rozpowszechniony; powinien zatem otrzymać odpowiednią uwagę ze strony lekarzy i innych świadczeniodawców opieki zdrowotnej, w tym planistów opieki zdrowotnej.3536

Miliony pacjentów na całym świecie cierpią na przewlekły stan świądu bez identyfikowalnej przyczyny – stan znany jako przewlekły świąd o nieznanej przyczynie (CPUO), który nie ma zatwierdzonych terapii ukierunkowanych na jego leczenie. Istnieje potrzeba bezpiecznych i skutecznych zatwierdzonych terapii w celu zmniejszenia świądu i poprawy jakości życia pacjentów.3738

Tendencje epidemiologiczne w świądzie skóry

Obserwuje się pewne interesujące trendy epidemiologiczne związane ze świądem skóry, które mogą mieć znaczenie dla zrozumienia jego patogenezy i opracowania skutecznych strategii profilaktycznych i terapeutycznych.

Hipoteza higieniczna a świąd skóry

Badania wykazały, że odsetek populacji korzystającej z podstawowych usług sanitarnych był pozytywnie skorelowany z częstością występowania, rozpowszechnieniem i YLD (years lived with disability – lata życia z niepełnosprawnością) świądu (P≤0,001). Natomiast wskaźnik śmiertelności z powodu zanieczyszczenia powietrza był negatywnie związany z częstością występowania, rozpowszechnieniem i YLD świądu (P≤0,001).39

Hipoteza higieniczna może wyjaśniać globalne trendy świądu, ponieważ bardziej uprzemysłowione kraje mają wyższe wskaźniki częstości występowania świądu. Podsumowując, częstość występowania świądu w krajach o wysokich dochodach i stosunkowo dobrych warunkach sanitarnych można wyjaśnić hipotezą higieniczną.40

Czynniki psychospołeczne i świąd

Na poziomie społeczności istnieje znacznie więcej zgłoszeń świądu wśród osób z depresją (18% w porównaniu z 9% wśród osób bez depresji), a osoby, które doświadczyły wielu negatywnych wydarzeń życiowych, stresu i samotności, mają tendencję do zgłaszania większej liczby przypadków świądu.41

Te dane sugerują, że czynniki psychosocjalne mogą odgrywać istotną rolę w występowaniu i nasilaniu się świądu, co ma znaczenie dla opracowywania kompleksowych strategii terapeutycznych, które uwzględniają nie tylko aspekty fizyczne, ale także psychologiczne aspekty tego objawu.

Luki w danych epidemiologicznych

Pomimo rosnącego zainteresowania badaniami nad świądem w ostatnich latach, nadal istnieją znaczące luki w naszej wiedzy na temat epidemiologii tego objawu.

Ograniczone dane w populacjach pediatrycznych

Nie ma badań epidemiologicznych badających częstość występowania świądu wśród dzieci. Wydaje się, że nie ma badań dotyczących częstości występowania świądu u dzieci w ogóle.4243

Ta luka w danych jest szczególnie problematyczna, biorąc pod uwagę, że wiele chorób skóry i ogólnoustrojowych, które mogą powodować świąd, może rozpoczynać się w dzieciństwie, a wczesna interwencja może potencjalnie zmienić przebieg choroby i poprawić długoterminowe wyniki.

Ograniczone badania w chorobach ogólnoustrojowych

Chociaż przyczyna ogólnoustrojowa jest często implikowana w etiologii świądu, nie istnieją badania ilościowo określające zakres, w jakim świąd istnieje we wszystkich chorobach ogólnoustrojowych.44

Szacunki częstości występowania, czynniki ryzyka i naturalny przebieg istnieją tylko dla kilku specyficznych zaburzeń związanych ze świądem i są wspomniane w dyskusji na temat tych stanów.45

Te luki w danych podkreślają potrzebę dalszych, dobrze zaprojektowanych badań epidemiologicznych, które mogą dostarczyć bardziej kompletnego obrazu rozpowszechnienia świądu w różnych populacjach i chorobach.

Obciążenie zdrowotne i ekonomiczne

Świąd, szczególnie w formie przewlekłej, wiąże się ze znacznym obciążeniem zdrowotnym i ekonomicznym, wpływając na jakość życia pacjentów i wykorzystanie zasobów opieki zdrowotnej.

Wpływ na jakość życia

Przewlekły świąd i wywołane nim zachowanie drapania mogą mieć znaczący wpływ na przebieg choroby, jakość życia i koszty opieki zdrowotnej. Świąd związany z przewlekłą chorobą nerek (CKD-aP) w szczególności może stanowić duże obciążenie dla jakości życia związanej ze zdrowiem (HRQoL), przy czym zwiększająca się ciężkość świądu jest związana z niższymi wynikami HRQoL według kilku miar.4647

Nie jest zatem zaskakujące, że osoby z CKD-aP są również bardziej skłonne do doświadczania depresji i złego nastroju, wraz z uczuciami frustracji i irytacji, wyczerpania i osłabienia. Jednym z najbardziej prominentnych czynników HRQoL w CKD-aP jest często jego ogromny wpływ na jakość snu, pozostawiając niektórych pacjentów prawie bez snu w nocy przez dni, tygodnie lub miesiące.48

Obecność uporczywego i ciężkiego świądu u pacjentów z prurigo nodularis jest wyniszczająca i uważana za istotne obciążenie zdrowotne. Świąd przyczynia się do ciężkości i czasu trwania niepełnosprawności związanej z chorobą i powoduje większą chorobowość niż inne choroby przewlekłe, takie jak cukrzyca i lęk.49

Wpływ na wykorzystanie zasobów opieki zdrowotnej

Chociaż CKD-aP jest standardowym powikłaniem CKD, niedostateczne zgłaszanie i niedostateczne diagnozowanie mogły historycznie być przyćmione przez główne problemy związane z nerkami pacjenta, a także szereg chorób współistniejących, przy czym leczenie CKD słusznie skupiało się przede wszystkim na utrzymaniu pacjenta przy życiu.50

Warto jednak zauważyć, że dane z badania DOPPS wykazały, że dla pacjentów niezwykle nękanych przez CKD-aP, wskaźnik hazardu śmiertelności (HR) (skorygowany o szereg współzmiennych) w porównaniu z tymi, którzy nie byli nękani przez CKD-aP, wynosił 1,24 (95% przedział ufności: 1,08-1,41). Ciężkość CKD-aP była dodatkowo związana z wycofaniem z hemodializy w tym badaniu (HR: 1,50; 95% przedział ufności: 1,05-2,14).51

Wraz z postępującą poprawą hemodializy i nowymi metodami leczenia chorób współistniejących związanych z CKD, życie osób z CKD jest znacznie wydłużane, a kwestie związane z jakością życia związaną ze zdrowiem (HRQoL) stają się coraz bardziej widoczne.52

Te dane podkreślają znaczenie skutecznego zarządzania świądem nie tylko dla poprawy jakości życia pacjentów, ale także dla potencjalnego zmniejszenia wykorzystania zasobów opieki zdrowotnej i poprawy wyników klinicznych.

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  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Epidemiology of Itch – Itch – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK200924/
    Epidemiological data about the frequency and attributes of pruritus exist to a minor extent only. […] Evidence suggests that at least one quarter of the European population suffers from a skin disease at least once in their lifetime. […] While it is often stated that pruritus is the most frequent symptom in dermatology and that it may also occur in internal, neurological, and psychiatric/somatoform diseases as well as that it may be drug-induced, there are surprisingly few studies about the prevalence or incidence of pruritus in particular diseases or patient populations. […] Many patients with acute pruritus but also with chronic pruritus do not present to a physician. […] This explains the need for population-based studies on prevalence and incidence of chronic pruritus. […] There appear to be no studies about the frequency of occurrence of pruritus in children in general.
  • #1 Pruritus: Etiology and patient evaluation – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pruritus-etiology-and-patient-evaluation
    Pruritus is a common symptom that is experienced by all human beings at some point during the course of life. The frequent occurrence of pruritus is supported by the results of epidemiologic studies. In a cross-sectional study (n = 11,730), chronic pruritus (pruritus persisting for more than six weeks) was reported in approximately 16 percent of German workers. A separate study of almost 19,000 adults in Norway found a prevalence of chronic pruritus in the general population of approximately 8 percent. […] Age, sex, and other demographic factors may influence risk for pruritus. […] Pruritus is common in older adults. Dry skin (xerosis) is probably the most common cause of pruritus in this population; additional frequent causes for pruritus in older adults are neuropathic changes and immunosenescence (age-associated changes in the immune system). Pruritus in older adults may also result from causes of pruritus that also affect the general population, such as atopic dermatitis, other inflammatory skin diseases, scabies, and systemic diseases.
  • #2 Epidemiology of Itch: Adding to the Burden of Skin Morbidity | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-0662
    Itch is the most frequent symptom in dermatology and has been researched more extensively in recent years. Nevertheless, there are few true epidemiological studies on itch. […] The symptom of itch is a challenge, not only to clinicians, but also within the structure of regional health systems, and with regards to accessibility to specialized medical doctors in non-Western countries. Published studies show that the symptom of itch is highly prevalent; it should therefore receive adequate attention from physicians and other healthcare providers, including healthcare planners. […] Although itch is often described as the most frequent symptom in dermatology, there have been very few studies of the incidence, and a limited number of the prevalence, of chronic itch. […] Most of the studies refer to specific diseases or patient groups, which complicates the comparability and validity of the existing studies.
  • #2 Evaluation of pruritus – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice US
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/612?locale=no
    Pruritus is defined as an unpleasant sensation that causes a desire to scratch. The terms pruritus and itch are used synonymously. Pruritus is the most common subjective symptom in dermatology and may occur with or without visible skin lesions. It may be localized or generalized. […] Itching is a common ailment. European population-based studies report pruritus prevalence (acute and/or chronic [6 weeks duration]) of between 7% and 17%. […] Prevalence increases with age. One systematic review and meta-analysis reported an overall pooled prevalence of pruritus of 21% in older people (ages 60 years). […] One large epidemiologic study conducted in Germany found an increase from 12.3% among young adults (16-30 years) to 20.3% among those aged 61-70 years. […] In a self-reported morbidity study conducted in Norway, itch was the most frequently mentioned skin symptom (7%).
  • #2 Pruritus: Etiology and patient evaluation – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pruritus-etiology-and-patient-evaluation/print
    Pruritus is a common symptom that is experienced by all human beings at some point during the course of life. The frequent occurrence of pruritus is supported by the results of epidemiologic studies. In a cross-sectional study (n = 11,730), chronic pruritus (pruritus persisting for more than six weeks) was reported in approximately 16 percent of German workers. A separate study of almost 19,000 adults in Norway found a prevalence of chronic pruritus in the general population of approximately 8 percent. […] Age, sex, and other demographic factors may influence risk for pruritus. Advanced age—Pruritus is common in older adults. Dry skin (xerosis) is probably the most common cause of pruritus in this population; additional frequent causes for pruritus in older adults are neuropathic changes and immunosenescence (age-associated changes in the immune system). Pruritus in older adults may also result from causes of pruritus that also affect the general population, such as atopic dermatitis, other inflammatory skin diseases, scabies, and systemic diseases.
  • #3 Epidemiology of Itch: Adding to the Burden of Skin Morbidity | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-0662
    The aim of this paper is to review current knowledge of the distribution of chronic itch in different populations. […] Studying a symptom such as itch at the community level can provide valuable information on associations with demographic factors, psycho-social factors and, eventually, other diseases in the community. […] The prevalence of itch in this population was 8.4%; this was the most prevalent of all reported skin symptoms. […] A German pilot study of chronic itch in a sample of the general population (n = 200) showed a point prevalence of 13.9%. […] This indicates a possible higher prevalence of chronic itch in the general population than reported previously. […] Itch is more prevalent among individuals with lower socio-economic status and lower household income. […] Report of itch seems to be associated with ethnic background in Western urban communities.
  • #3 Evaluation of pruritus – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice US
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/612?locale=no
    Pruritus is defined as an unpleasant sensation that causes a desire to scratch. The terms pruritus and itch are used synonymously. Pruritus is the most common subjective symptom in dermatology and may occur with or without visible skin lesions. It may be localized or generalized. […] Itching is a common ailment. European population-based studies report pruritus prevalence (acute and/or chronic [6 weeks duration]) of between 7% and 17%. […] Prevalence increases with age. One systematic review and meta-analysis reported an overall pooled prevalence of pruritus of 21% in older people (ages 60 years). […] One large epidemiologic study conducted in Germany found an increase from 12.3% among young adults (16-30 years) to 20.3% among those aged 61-70 years. […] In a self-reported morbidity study conducted in Norway, itch was the most frequently mentioned skin symptom (7%).
  • #4 Itch – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itch
    Approximately 280 million people globally, 4% of the population, have difficulty with itchiness. […] This is comparable to the 23% of the population who have psoriasis.
  • #4 Assessment of pruritus – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/612
    Pruritus is a common ailment. European population-based studies report pruritus prevalence (acute and/or chronic [6 weeks duration]) of between 7% and 17%. […] Prevalence increases with age. One systematic review and meta-analysis reported an overall pooled prevalence of pruritus of 21% in older people (aged 60 years). […] One large epidemiological study conducted in Germany found an increase from 12.3% among young adults (16-30 years) to 20.3% among those aged 61-70 years. […] In a self-reported morbidity study conducted in Norway, itch was the most frequently mentioned skin symptom (7%). […] Patients reporting itch were younger, predominantly female, and more distressed; they had lower income, poorer social support, and experienced more negative life events. […] Itch was reported significantly more often by men from East Asia (18%) and the Middle East/North Africa (13%).
  • #5 Itch epidemiology and demographics – wikidoc
    https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Itch_epidemiology_and_demographics
    Pruritus is seen in about 4% of the population. It is seen in malignancies, especially hematological malignancies such as polycythemia vera. Uremia and biliary cirrhosis are other diseases in which a significant percentage of patients may have pruritus. […] About 280 million people globally, roughly 4% of the world’s population, have difficulty with itchiness. […] Pruritus may be associated with virtually any malignancy. […] Certain neoplasms, especially hematologic malignancies, have pruritus as a common symptom. […] The incidence of pruritus in other types of hematologic malignancies is currently not known, however, investigators have reported its presence in approximately 3% of patients with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma. […] Retrospective studies have revealed that 2% to 11% of chronic itch cases are attributable malignancies.
  • #5 Epidemiology of Itch – Itch – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK200924/
    Chronic pruritus is often observed during pregnancy. […] Elderly people are believed to be particularly prone to chronic pruritus. […] One population-based study found a significant association between age and lifetime prevalence of chronic pruritus. […] The prevalence of pruritus in chronic renal failure and in patients undergoing dialysis varies worldwide between 10% and 70%. […] The prevalence of pruritus in chronic renal failure and in patients undergoing dialysis varies worldwide between 10% and 70%. […] While a systemic cause is often implicated in the aetiology of pruritus no studies exist quantifying the extent to which pruritus exists over all systemic diseases. […] The prevalence estimates are very similar to those obtained in our baseline survey and in the survey conducted with employees seeking early detection cancer screenings and again highlight a substantial prevalence of the symptom in the population.
  • #6 Epidemiology of Itch: Adding to the Burden of Skin Morbidity | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-0662
    At the community level there is significantly more reporting of itch among depressed people (18% compared with 9% among non-depressed people), and individuals who have experienced many negative life-events, stress and loneliness tend to report more itch. […] There are no epidemiological studies investigating the prevalence of itch among children. […] Itch is the leading dermatological symptom in pregnancy, estimated to occur in approximately 18% of all pregnancies. […] The symptom of chronic itch represents a worldwide burden in the community as well as in specific populations. […] Chronic itch is often ignored as a disease symptom in clinical studies. […] The study of chronic itch in the general and diseased population adds to the description of the burden of skin morbidity and should receive attention from physicians and other healthcare providers including healthcare planners.
  • #7 Evaluation of pruritus – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice US
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/612?locale=no
    Patients reporting itch were younger, predominantly female, and more distressed; they had lower income, poorer social support, and experienced more negative life events. […] Itch was reported significantly more often by men from East Asia (18%) and the Middle East/North Africa (13%). […] Pruritus is a common symptom of many skin diseases. For example, it is a cardinal symptom of atopic eczema, and all patients with this disease are believed to have pruritus at some point during their illness. […] Similarly, about 70% to 90% of patients with psoriasis have pruritus. […] Pruritus may also complicate other systemic diseases, such as chronic renal failure, blood malignancies, or liver disorders. For instance, the frequency of chronic pruritus in hemodialysis patients has been estimated to be between 25% and 55%.
  • #8 Assessment of pruritus – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/612
    Pruritus is a common ailment. European population-based studies report pruritus prevalence (acute and/or chronic [6 weeks duration]) of between 7% and 17%. […] Prevalence increases with age. One systematic review and meta-analysis reported an overall pooled prevalence of pruritus of 21% in older people (aged 60 years). […] One large epidemiological study conducted in Germany found an increase from 12.3% among young adults (16-30 years) to 20.3% among those aged 61-70 years. […] In a self-reported morbidity study conducted in Norway, itch was the most frequently mentioned skin symptom (7%). […] Patients reporting itch were younger, predominantly female, and more distressed; they had lower income, poorer social support, and experienced more negative life events. […] Itch was reported significantly more often by men from East Asia (18%) and the Middle East/North Africa (13%).
  • #9 Assessment of pruritus – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/612
    Pruritus is a common ailment. European population-based studies report pruritus prevalence (acute and/or chronic [6 weeks duration]) of between 7% and 17%. […] Prevalence increases with age. One systematic review and meta-analysis reported an overall pooled prevalence of pruritus of 21% in older people (aged 60 years). […] One large epidemiological study conducted in Germany found an increase from 12.3% among young adults (16-30 years) to 20.3% among those aged 61-70 years. […] In a self-reported morbidity study conducted in Norway, itch was the most frequently mentioned skin symptom (7%). […] Patients reporting itch were younger, predominantly female, and more distressed; they had lower income, poorer social support, and experienced more negative life events. […] Itch was reported significantly more often by men from East Asia (18%) and the Middle East/North Africa (13%).
  • #10 Epidemiology of Itch: Adding to the Burden of Skin Morbidity | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-0662
    The aim of this paper is to review current knowledge of the distribution of chronic itch in different populations. […] Studying a symptom such as itch at the community level can provide valuable information on associations with demographic factors, psycho-social factors and, eventually, other diseases in the community. […] The prevalence of itch in this population was 8.4%; this was the most prevalent of all reported skin symptoms. […] A German pilot study of chronic itch in a sample of the general population (n = 200) showed a point prevalence of 13.9%. […] This indicates a possible higher prevalence of chronic itch in the general population than reported previously. […] Itch is more prevalent among individuals with lower socio-economic status and lower household income. […] Report of itch seems to be associated with ethnic background in Western urban communities.
  • #11 Occurrence, Chronicity and Intensity of Itch in a Clinical Consecutive Sample of Patients with Skin Diseases: A Multi-centre Study in 13 European Countries | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-3040
    Itch is an unpleasant symptom, affecting many dermatological patients. […] The aim of this multi-centre study was to assess the occurrence, chronicity and intensity (visual analogue scale 0-10) of itch in patients with different skin diseases and healthy-skin controls. […] Out of 3,530 dermatological patients, 54.3% reported itch, while out of 1,094 healthy-skin controls 8% had itch. […] Chronic itch was reported by 36.9% of the patients and 4.7% of the healthy-skin controls. […] This European multi-centre study investigated the occurrence, chronicity and intensity of itch in a large sample of outpatients with different skin diseases and healthy-skin controls. […] In this study 54.3% of patients and 8% of healthy-skin controls had itch at the time of investigation. […] Chronic itch was reported by 36.9% of patients and 4.7% of healthy-skin controls.
  • #12 Occurrence, Chronicity and Intensity of Itch in a Clinical Consecutive Sample of Patients with Skin Diseases: A Multi-centre Study in 13 European Countries | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-3040
    In total, 54.3% of the patients with skin diseases reported that they currently had itch, compared with 8.0% of the healthy-skin controls. […] Chronic itch was reported by 36.9% of the patients and 4.7% of the healthy-skin controls. […] This is the first large multi-centre study in Europe comparing the occurrence, chronicity and intensity of itch between patients with skin diseases and healthy-skin controls. […] Approximately half of the patients visiting a dermatological outpatient clinic in Europe reported that they experience itch. […] About 37% of them reported having itch lasting longer than 6 weeks.
  • #13 Assessment of pruritus – Differential diagnosis of symptoms | BMJ Best Practice
    https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/612
    Pruritus is a common symptom of many skin diseases. […] For example, it is a cardinal symptom of atopic eczema, and all patients with this disease are believed to have pruritus at some point during their illness. […] Similarly, about 70% to 90% of patients with psoriasis have pruritus. […] Pruritus may also complicate other systemic diseases, such as chronic renal failure, blood malignancies, or liver disorders. […] For instance, the frequency of chronic pruritus in haemodialysis patients has been estimated to be between 25% and 55%.
  • #14 Itching and its related factors in subtypes of eczema: a cross-sectional multicenter study in tertiary hospitals of China | Scientific Reports
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-28828-6
    Itching is a leading symptom of eczema or dermatitis and has a great impact on patients lives. […] A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted among outpatients with eczema from 39 tertiary hospitals in mainland China from July 1 to September 30, 2014. […] Itching was very common (97%, 8499/8758) in outpatients with eczema. […] The top three subtypes of dermatitis with severe itching were atopic dermatitis (30.4%), widespread eczema (30.1%), and asteatotic eczema (27.9%). […] Positive correlations were observed between the severity of itching and the proportions of different diseases based on trend tests, including atopic dermatitis (P0.001), widespread eczema (P0.001), asteatotic eczema (P0.001), and autosensitization dermatitis (P0.001). […] Eczema outpatients with older age, longer disease duration, and, especially, a history of allergic diseases might be more prone to itching.
  • #15 Itching and its related factors in subtypes of eczema: a cross-sectional multicenter study in tertiary hospitals of China | Scientific Reports
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-28828-6
    Itching is a leading symptom of eczema or dermatitis and has a great impact on patients lives. […] A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted among outpatients with eczema from 39 tertiary hospitals in mainland China from July 1 to September 30, 2014. […] Itching was very common (97%, 8499/8758) in outpatients with eczema. […] The top three subtypes of dermatitis with severe itching were atopic dermatitis (30.4%), widespread eczema (30.1%), and asteatotic eczema (27.9%). […] Positive correlations were observed between the severity of itching and the proportions of different diseases based on trend tests, including atopic dermatitis (P0.001), widespread eczema (P0.001), asteatotic eczema (P0.001), and autosensitization dermatitis (P0.001). […] Eczema outpatients with older age, longer disease duration, and, especially, a history of allergic diseases might be more prone to itching.
  • #16 Itching and its related factors in subtypes of eczema: a cross-sectional multicenter study in tertiary hospitals of China | Scientific Reports
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-28828-6
    The proportion of itching in each type of dermatitis is shown in Table 2. […] Based on trend tests for itching rank in each type of dermatitis, a positive correlation was observed between the severity of itching and proportion of different diseases, including atopic dermatitis (P0.001), widespread eczema (P0.001), allergic contact dermatitis (P=0.021), neurodermatitis (P=0.021), nummular eczema (P=0.019), asteatotic eczema (P0.001), and autosensitization dermatitis (P0.001). […] The probability of itching occurrence in eczema outpatients is related to many factors including age, disease duration, history of allergic disease and flexion dermatitis. […] Our study showed that the top three subtypes of dermatitis with severe itching were atopic dermatitis (30.4%), widespread eczema (30.1%) and asteatotic eczema (27.9%), which was featured by dry skin or large areas of lesions.
  • #17 Itch, pruritus
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/pruritus
    Pruritus is often a symptom of an underlying disease process such as a skin problem, a systemic disease, or abnormal nerve impulses. […] The epidemiology of pruritus depends on its underlying cause or causes. However, in general, the incidence of chronic pruritus increases with age, it is more common in women, and in those of Asian background. […] Systemic diseases may cause generalised pruritus. This is sometimes called metabolic itch. There is nothing wrong with the skin itself, at least until it’s been scratched. […] The management of chronic severe itch is difficult and often requires the use of combination therapy over a long period of time. Identification and treatment of underlying conditions causing pruritus may help in this process. The symptom may quickly disappear or persist for long periods of time.
  • #18 Pruritus and Systemic Disease: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1098029-overview
    Pruritus occurs in approximately 20% of adults. It is present in approximately 25% of patients with jaundice and in 50% of patients receiving renal dialysis. […] An underlying systemic disease is reported in 10-50% of patients who seek medical attention for pruritus. […] The incidence of renal pruritus appears to be decreasing among patients receiving HD, most likely because of improvements in HD technique. […] The incidence of cholestatic pruritus depends on the underlying etiology. Approximately 60% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis present with pruritus, and almost all develop pruritus at some point during the course of their disease. […] Among patients with polycythemia vera, 48-70% of patients have aquagenic pruritus. […] The rate of malignancy in patients presenting with generalized pruritus is less than 1-8%. Pruritus is commonly associated with Hodgkin disease and was once considered a B symptom of the disease. Approximately 35% of patients with Hodgkin disease have pruritus during their clinical course, whereas only approximately 10% have pruritus associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Pruritus is a rare symptom of leukemia.
  • #19 Pruritus (PDQ®) – NCI
    https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/skin-nail-changes/pruritus-hp-pdq
    Pruritus is a manifestation of an underlying systemic disease in approximately 10% to 25% of affected individuals. […] In a single-institution retrospective review, patients seeking care for pruritus were more likely to have a concomitant diagnosis of cancer than patients without pruritus (odds ratio [OR], 5.76; 95% confidence interval, 5.536.00). […] Nondermatological conditions that can lead to generalized pruritus include the following: Hepatic, renal, or thyroid dysfunction. […] Despite the wide array of diseases that may present with pruritus, a systematic evaluation of the differential using a good history, review of systems, and appropriate blood work will lead to a rational and finite group of etiologies. […] Hypothesized pathogenesis of pruritus associated with underlying disease states is varied. […] People receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or biologic response modifiers for the treatment of malignancy are likely to experience pruritus.
  • #20 Epidemiology of Itch – Itch – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK200924/
    Chronic pruritus is often observed during pregnancy. […] Elderly people are believed to be particularly prone to chronic pruritus. […] One population-based study found a significant association between age and lifetime prevalence of chronic pruritus. […] The prevalence of pruritus in chronic renal failure and in patients undergoing dialysis varies worldwide between 10% and 70%. […] The prevalence of pruritus in chronic renal failure and in patients undergoing dialysis varies worldwide between 10% and 70%. […] While a systemic cause is often implicated in the aetiology of pruritus no studies exist quantifying the extent to which pruritus exists over all systemic diseases. […] The prevalence estimates are very similar to those obtained in our baseline survey and in the survey conducted with employees seeking early detection cancer screenings and again highlight a substantial prevalence of the symptom in the population.
  • #21 Pruritus and Systemic Disease: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1098029-overview
    Pruritus occurs in approximately 20% of adults. It is present in approximately 25% of patients with jaundice and in 50% of patients receiving renal dialysis. […] An underlying systemic disease is reported in 10-50% of patients who seek medical attention for pruritus. […] The incidence of renal pruritus appears to be decreasing among patients receiving HD, most likely because of improvements in HD technique. […] The incidence of cholestatic pruritus depends on the underlying etiology. Approximately 60% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis present with pruritus, and almost all develop pruritus at some point during the course of their disease. […] Among patients with polycythemia vera, 48-70% of patients have aquagenic pruritus. […] The rate of malignancy in patients presenting with generalized pruritus is less than 1-8%. Pruritus is commonly associated with Hodgkin disease and was once considered a B symptom of the disease. Approximately 35% of patients with Hodgkin disease have pruritus during their clinical course, whereas only approximately 10% have pruritus associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Pruritus is a rare symptom of leukemia.
  • #22 Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus: From Epidemiology to Treatment – European Medical Journal
    https://www.emjreviews.com/nephrology/symposium/chronic-kidney-disease-associated-pruritus-from-epidemiology-to-treatment-s120421/
    Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) occurs in over two-thirds of patients undergoing haemodialysis. […] In fact, analysis of data from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), a large, ongoing, international, observational study of patients with CKD, revealed that 67% of the included 23,264 patients on haemodialysis experienced some form of chronic pruritus, with 37% rating it as bothering them moderately and 19% rating it as bothering them very much or extremely. […] Other studies have confirmed the prevalence of moderate-to-severe pruritus to be around 45% of patients with CKD undergoing haemodialysis. […] Analysis of 5,658 non-dialysis patients with Stage 3-5 CKD found CKD-aP in 37-64% of patients (depending on stage and country), with up to 35% experiencing moderate-to-extreme pruritus.
  • #23 Pruritus and Systemic Disease: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1098029-overview
    Pruritus occurs in approximately 20% of adults. It is present in approximately 25% of patients with jaundice and in 50% of patients receiving renal dialysis. […] An underlying systemic disease is reported in 10-50% of patients who seek medical attention for pruritus. […] The incidence of renal pruritus appears to be decreasing among patients receiving HD, most likely because of improvements in HD technique. […] The incidence of cholestatic pruritus depends on the underlying etiology. Approximately 60% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis present with pruritus, and almost all develop pruritus at some point during the course of their disease. […] Among patients with polycythemia vera, 48-70% of patients have aquagenic pruritus. […] The rate of malignancy in patients presenting with generalized pruritus is less than 1-8%. Pruritus is commonly associated with Hodgkin disease and was once considered a B symptom of the disease. Approximately 35% of patients with Hodgkin disease have pruritus during their clinical course, whereas only approximately 10% have pruritus associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Pruritus is a rare symptom of leukemia.
  • #24 Itch epidemiology and demographics – wikidoc
    https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Itch_epidemiology_and_demographics
    About a third of uremic patients treated without dialysis complain of uremic pruritus, and on maintenance hemodialysis, the incidence of uremic itching rises to 70%-80%. […] Cholestatic pruritis affects nearly, if not all patients with biliary cirrhosis and is the first symptom in nearly 50% of the patients with this disease. […] Furthermore, the prevalence of pruritus in patients with endstage HIV is over 20%.
  • #25 Pruritus and Systemic Disease: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1098029-overview
    Pruritus occurs in approximately 20% of adults. It is present in approximately 25% of patients with jaundice and in 50% of patients receiving renal dialysis. […] An underlying systemic disease is reported in 10-50% of patients who seek medical attention for pruritus. […] The incidence of renal pruritus appears to be decreasing among patients receiving HD, most likely because of improvements in HD technique. […] The incidence of cholestatic pruritus depends on the underlying etiology. Approximately 60% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis present with pruritus, and almost all develop pruritus at some point during the course of their disease. […] Among patients with polycythemia vera, 48-70% of patients have aquagenic pruritus. […] The rate of malignancy in patients presenting with generalized pruritus is less than 1-8%. Pruritus is commonly associated with Hodgkin disease and was once considered a B symptom of the disease. Approximately 35% of patients with Hodgkin disease have pruritus during their clinical course, whereas only approximately 10% have pruritus associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Pruritus is a rare symptom of leukemia.
  • #26 Itch epidemiology and demographics – wikidoc
    https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Itch_epidemiology_and_demographics
    Pruritus is seen in about 4% of the population. It is seen in malignancies, especially hematological malignancies such as polycythemia vera. Uremia and biliary cirrhosis are other diseases in which a significant percentage of patients may have pruritus. […] About 280 million people globally, roughly 4% of the world’s population, have difficulty with itchiness. […] Pruritus may be associated with virtually any malignancy. […] Certain neoplasms, especially hematologic malignancies, have pruritus as a common symptom. […] The incidence of pruritus in other types of hematologic malignancies is currently not known, however, investigators have reported its presence in approximately 3% of patients with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma. […] Retrospective studies have revealed that 2% to 11% of chronic itch cases are attributable malignancies.
  • #27
    https://journals.lww.com/itch/fulltext/2023/01010/therapeutics_in_chronic_pruritus_of_unknown_origin.3.aspx
    Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is a common condition that is underrecognized and underdiagnosed. […] Despite being a common condition and prevalent in nearly 30% of the elderly in certain populations, most patients suffer from CPUO for years from inadequate treatments for itch and are made to undergo extensive diagnostics. […] Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is a highly prevalent and burdensome disease that is reported to range from 7% to 46% of the elderly across various different countries, although its diagnosis is not limited to the elderly. […] There is a high burden associated with CPUO, with about half of patients reporting severe to very severe itching, and it is significantly associated with impaired sleep, depression, and anxiety, which further exacerbates itch. […] Although the treatment of CPUO is especially challenging, given that much of its pathogenesis is still unknown, patients can still vastly benefit when given the appropriate treatment. […] CPUO indicates chronic pruritus of unknown origin.
  • #28
    https://journals.lww.com/itch/fulltext/2023/01010/therapeutics_in_chronic_pruritus_of_unknown_origin.3.aspx
    Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is a common condition that is underrecognized and underdiagnosed. […] Despite being a common condition and prevalent in nearly 30% of the elderly in certain populations, most patients suffer from CPUO for years from inadequate treatments for itch and are made to undergo extensive diagnostics. […] Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is a highly prevalent and burdensome disease that is reported to range from 7% to 46% of the elderly across various different countries, although its diagnosis is not limited to the elderly. […] There is a high burden associated with CPUO, with about half of patients reporting severe to very severe itching, and it is significantly associated with impaired sleep, depression, and anxiety, which further exacerbates itch. […] Although the treatment of CPUO is especially challenging, given that much of its pathogenesis is still unknown, patients can still vastly benefit when given the appropriate treatment. […] CPUO indicates chronic pruritus of unknown origin.
  • #29 Pruritus in Dermatology: Part 1—General Concepts and Pruritogens | Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
    https://actasdermo.org/es-translated-article-pruritus-in-dermatology-articulo-S0001731023003526
    Pruritus is the most common symptom of dermatologic and systemic diseases. The diagnosis of pruritus is clinical, although additional tests may be necessary to identify or confirm the cause. […] Stnder et al. reported that 2226% of the general population suffers from chronic pruritus. Leader et al. reported a figure of between 8% and 28% of the general population as suffering from this condition. Specifically, pruritus is present in 78% of patients aged over 65 years, 87% of atopic patients, 84% of patients with psoriasis, 35% of patients in hemodialysis, and 45% of patients with HIV infection. The cause of pruritus is never determined in up to 44.5% of patients (pruritus of unknown origin).
  • #30
    https://journals.lww.com/itch/fulltext/2023/01010/therapeutics_in_chronic_pruritus_of_unknown_origin.3.aspx
    Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is a common condition that is underrecognized and underdiagnosed. […] Despite being a common condition and prevalent in nearly 30% of the elderly in certain populations, most patients suffer from CPUO for years from inadequate treatments for itch and are made to undergo extensive diagnostics. […] Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is a highly prevalent and burdensome disease that is reported to range from 7% to 46% of the elderly across various different countries, although its diagnosis is not limited to the elderly. […] There is a high burden associated with CPUO, with about half of patients reporting severe to very severe itching, and it is significantly associated with impaired sleep, depression, and anxiety, which further exacerbates itch. […] Although the treatment of CPUO is especially challenging, given that much of its pathogenesis is still unknown, patients can still vastly benefit when given the appropriate treatment. […] CPUO indicates chronic pruritus of unknown origin.
  • #31 2024 News – Patients with Unexplainable Chronic Itch Have Unique Blood Biomarkers that Could Eventually Lead to New Targeted Treatments | University of Maryland School of Medicine
    https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/news/2024/patients-with-unexplainable-chronic-itch-have-unique-blood-biomarkers-that-could-eventually-lead-to-new-targeted-treatments.html
    Millions of patients worldwide suffer from a chronic itching condition with no identifiable cause a condition known as chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) that has no targeted therapies approved to treat it. […] Chronic pruritus of unknown origin is most prevalent among older adults and causes severe itching lasting longer than six weeks. Current therapies used to help manage symptoms are off-label and have poor efficacy, with many patients having a significantly impaired quality of life. […] A drug approved to treat eczema provided significant improvement in the symptoms of patients with severe itching diseases that currently have no targeted treatments, according to a new study published in JAMA Dermatology. The drug, abrocitinib, was found to cause minimal side effects during a small 12-week study led by University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) researchers. It was beneficial for those with an itching disease called prurigo nodularis as well as for those with chronic pruritus of unknown origin, a condition that causes chronic unexplainable itching symptoms.
  • #32 Drug-induced pruritus
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/drug-induced-pruritus
    The epidemiology of drug-induced pruritus is unknown. Generally, adverse drug reactions are more common in older patients and in patients taking multiple medicines. […] Pruritus can begin within hours or up to several weeks after the drug responsible has first been administered. […] Following the cessation of the causative drug, the itch may persist for days to months before resolving.
  • #33 Pruritus (PDQ®) – NCI
    https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/skin-nail-changes/pruritus-hp-pdq
    Pruritus is a manifestation of an underlying systemic disease in approximately 10% to 25% of affected individuals. […] In a single-institution retrospective review, patients seeking care for pruritus were more likely to have a concomitant diagnosis of cancer than patients without pruritus (odds ratio [OR], 5.76; 95% confidence interval, 5.536.00). […] Nondermatological conditions that can lead to generalized pruritus include the following: Hepatic, renal, or thyroid dysfunction. […] Despite the wide array of diseases that may present with pruritus, a systematic evaluation of the differential using a good history, review of systems, and appropriate blood work will lead to a rational and finite group of etiologies. […] Hypothesized pathogenesis of pruritus associated with underlying disease states is varied. […] People receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or biologic response modifiers for the treatment of malignancy are likely to experience pruritus.
  • #34 Epidemiology of Itch: Adding to the Burden of Skin Morbidity | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-0662
    At the community level there is significantly more reporting of itch among depressed people (18% compared with 9% among non-depressed people), and individuals who have experienced many negative life-events, stress and loneliness tend to report more itch. […] There are no epidemiological studies investigating the prevalence of itch among children. […] Itch is the leading dermatological symptom in pregnancy, estimated to occur in approximately 18% of all pregnancies. […] The symptom of chronic itch represents a worldwide burden in the community as well as in specific populations. […] Chronic itch is often ignored as a disease symptom in clinical studies. […] The study of chronic itch in the general and diseased population adds to the description of the burden of skin morbidity and should receive attention from physicians and other healthcare providers including healthcare planners.
  • #35 Epidemiology of Itch: Adding to the Burden of Skin Morbidity | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-0662
    Itch is the most frequent symptom in dermatology and has been researched more extensively in recent years. Nevertheless, there are few true epidemiological studies on itch. […] The symptom of itch is a challenge, not only to clinicians, but also within the structure of regional health systems, and with regards to accessibility to specialized medical doctors in non-Western countries. Published studies show that the symptom of itch is highly prevalent; it should therefore receive adequate attention from physicians and other healthcare providers, including healthcare planners. […] Although itch is often described as the most frequent symptom in dermatology, there have been very few studies of the incidence, and a limited number of the prevalence, of chronic itch. […] Most of the studies refer to specific diseases or patient groups, which complicates the comparability and validity of the existing studies.
  • #36
    https://medicaljournalssweden.se/actadv/article/view/9277
    Itch is the most frequent symptom in dermatology and has been researched more extensively in recent years. […] Nevertheless, there are few true epidemiological studies on itch. […] The aim of this paper is to review the current state of research on the epidemiology of chronic itch in Western and non-Western populations. […] Published studies show that the symptom of itch is highly prevalent; it should therefore receive adequate attention from physicians and other healthcare providers, including healthcare planners.
  • #37 2024 News – Patients with Unexplainable Chronic Itch Have Unique Blood Biomarkers that Could Eventually Lead to New Targeted Treatments | University of Maryland School of Medicine
    https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/news/2024/patients-with-unexplainable-chronic-itch-have-unique-blood-biomarkers-that-could-eventually-lead-to-new-targeted-treatments.html
    Millions of patients worldwide suffer from a chronic itching condition with no identifiable cause a condition known as chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) that has no targeted therapies approved to treat it. […] Chronic pruritus of unknown origin is most prevalent among older adults and causes severe itching lasting longer than six weeks. Current therapies used to help manage symptoms are off-label and have poor efficacy, with many patients having a significantly impaired quality of life. […] A drug approved to treat eczema provided significant improvement in the symptoms of patients with severe itching diseases that currently have no targeted treatments, according to a new study published in JAMA Dermatology. The drug, abrocitinib, was found to cause minimal side effects during a small 12-week study led by University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) researchers. It was beneficial for those with an itching disease called prurigo nodularis as well as for those with chronic pruritus of unknown origin, a condition that causes chronic unexplainable itching symptoms.
  • #38 The Patient Burden of Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin (CPUO)
    https://www.adventprogram.com/us/educational-resources/patient-burden-chronic-pruritus-unknown-origin-cpuo
    To introduce a topline summary of CPUO including etiology, epidemiology and challenges in CPUO diagnosis […] This infographic highlights CPUO as a chronic itchy skin disease with unknown etiology. […] There is a need for safe and effective approved therapies to reduce itch and improve patient QoL.
  • #39
    https://journals.lww.com/itch/fulltext/2022/06010/global_epidemiology_of_itch_from_1990_to_2017_.1.aspx
    Itch is a symptom with significant physical, psychological, and financial burden worldwide. […] To describe the epidemiological risk factors of itch and to present a hypothesis that can account for these trends. […] Female sex and age were positively associated with higher incidence of itch. […] The percent of population using basic sanitation services was also positively correlated with itch incidence, prevalence, and YLD (P0.001). […] Mortality rate due to air pollution was negatively associated with itch incidence, prevalence, and YLD (P0.001). […] The hygiene hypothesis might explain global trends of itch as more industrialized countries have higher itch incidence rates. […] The percentage of population using basic sanitation services was positively associated with the incidence, prevalence, and YLD rates of itch, whereas air pollution was found to be negatively associated with itch incidence, prevalence, and YLD rates. […] In summary, the incidence of itch in high-income and relatively sanitized countries might be explained by the hygiene hypothesis.
  • #40
    https://journals.lww.com/itch/fulltext/2022/06010/global_epidemiology_of_itch_from_1990_to_2017_.1.aspx
    Itch is a symptom with significant physical, psychological, and financial burden worldwide. […] To describe the epidemiological risk factors of itch and to present a hypothesis that can account for these trends. […] Female sex and age were positively associated with higher incidence of itch. […] The percent of population using basic sanitation services was also positively correlated with itch incidence, prevalence, and YLD (P0.001). […] Mortality rate due to air pollution was negatively associated with itch incidence, prevalence, and YLD (P0.001). […] The hygiene hypothesis might explain global trends of itch as more industrialized countries have higher itch incidence rates. […] The percentage of population using basic sanitation services was positively associated with the incidence, prevalence, and YLD rates of itch, whereas air pollution was found to be negatively associated with itch incidence, prevalence, and YLD rates. […] In summary, the incidence of itch in high-income and relatively sanitized countries might be explained by the hygiene hypothesis.
  • #41 Epidemiology of Itch: Adding to the Burden of Skin Morbidity | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-0662
    At the community level there is significantly more reporting of itch among depressed people (18% compared with 9% among non-depressed people), and individuals who have experienced many negative life-events, stress and loneliness tend to report more itch. […] There are no epidemiological studies investigating the prevalence of itch among children. […] Itch is the leading dermatological symptom in pregnancy, estimated to occur in approximately 18% of all pregnancies. […] The symptom of chronic itch represents a worldwide burden in the community as well as in specific populations. […] Chronic itch is often ignored as a disease symptom in clinical studies. […] The study of chronic itch in the general and diseased population adds to the description of the burden of skin morbidity and should receive attention from physicians and other healthcare providers including healthcare planners.
  • #42 Epidemiology of Itch: Adding to the Burden of Skin Morbidity | HTML | Acta Dermato-Venereologica
    https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-0662
    At the community level there is significantly more reporting of itch among depressed people (18% compared with 9% among non-depressed people), and individuals who have experienced many negative life-events, stress and loneliness tend to report more itch. […] There are no epidemiological studies investigating the prevalence of itch among children. […] Itch is the leading dermatological symptom in pregnancy, estimated to occur in approximately 18% of all pregnancies. […] The symptom of chronic itch represents a worldwide burden in the community as well as in specific populations. […] Chronic itch is often ignored as a disease symptom in clinical studies. […] The study of chronic itch in the general and diseased population adds to the description of the burden of skin morbidity and should receive attention from physicians and other healthcare providers including healthcare planners.
  • #43 Epidemiology of Itch – Itch – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK200924/
    Epidemiological data about the frequency and attributes of pruritus exist to a minor extent only. […] Evidence suggests that at least one quarter of the European population suffers from a skin disease at least once in their lifetime. […] While it is often stated that pruritus is the most frequent symptom in dermatology and that it may also occur in internal, neurological, and psychiatric/somatoform diseases as well as that it may be drug-induced, there are surprisingly few studies about the prevalence or incidence of pruritus in particular diseases or patient populations. […] Many patients with acute pruritus but also with chronic pruritus do not present to a physician. […] This explains the need for population-based studies on prevalence and incidence of chronic pruritus. […] There appear to be no studies about the frequency of occurrence of pruritus in children in general.
  • #44 Epidemiology of Itch – Itch – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK200924/
    Chronic pruritus is often observed during pregnancy. […] Elderly people are believed to be particularly prone to chronic pruritus. […] One population-based study found a significant association between age and lifetime prevalence of chronic pruritus. […] The prevalence of pruritus in chronic renal failure and in patients undergoing dialysis varies worldwide between 10% and 70%. […] The prevalence of pruritus in chronic renal failure and in patients undergoing dialysis varies worldwide between 10% and 70%. […] While a systemic cause is often implicated in the aetiology of pruritus no studies exist quantifying the extent to which pruritus exists over all systemic diseases. […] The prevalence estimates are very similar to those obtained in our baseline survey and in the survey conducted with employees seeking early detection cancer screenings and again highlight a substantial prevalence of the symptom in the population.
  • #45
    https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/dermatology/pruritus-itch/
    Prevalence estimates, risk factors, and natural history exist for only a few specific disorders associated with itching and are mentioned in the discussion of those conditions. […] Select systemic conditions associated with itching are listed in Box 2. Several are potentially serious, and it can be dangerous to label a case of generalized pruritus nonspecific eczema until these conditions are excluded. Pruritus of systemic disease is usually generalized, it may be the only manifesting symptom, and a specific rash is not present. […] Dermatologic and internal medicine evaluations, including laboratory tests, skin biopsy, and radiographic studies as dictated by history and physical findings, should be considered for patients with generalized pruritus lasting longer than 6 weeks.
  • #46 Gaining a comprehensive understanding of pruritus – Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
    https://ijdvl.com/gaining-a-comprehensive-understanding-of-pruritus/
    Pruritus is a common symptom associated with many dermatoses, systemic abnormalities, and psychiatric / psychosomatic diseases. Additionally, pruritus is one of the most intractable symptoms due to its complex pathogenesis involving an increasing number of mediators and receptors, undefined neurophysiologic pathways, unclear cerebral processing, and psychophysiology interaction. […] Chronic pruritus and induced scratching behavior could have a significant impact on disease course, life quality, and healthcare costs. […] An underlying systemic disease is reported in 14-24% of patients who seek medical attention for pruritus. […] Up to 80% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) experience pruritus, which is also the initial symptom in almost half of the patients with this disease.
  • #47 Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus: From Epidemiology to Treatment – European Medical Journal
    https://www.emjreviews.com/nephrology/symposium/chronic-kidney-disease-associated-pruritus-from-epidemiology-to-treatment-s120421/
    Moderate-to-severe CKD-aP in particular can present a large HRQoL burden, with increasing itchiness severity associated with lower HRQoL scores on several measures. […] It is no surprise then that people with CKD-aP are also more likely to experience depression and poor mood along with feelings of frustration and annoyance, being washed-out, and drained. […] One of the most prominent HRQoL factors in CKD-aP is often its huge impact on sleep quality, leaving some patients barely sleeping at night for days, weeks, or months on end.
  • #48 Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus: From Epidemiology to Treatment – European Medical Journal
    https://www.emjreviews.com/nephrology/symposium/chronic-kidney-disease-associated-pruritus-from-epidemiology-to-treatment-s120421/
    Moderate-to-severe CKD-aP in particular can present a large HRQoL burden, with increasing itchiness severity associated with lower HRQoL scores on several measures. […] It is no surprise then that people with CKD-aP are also more likely to experience depression and poor mood along with feelings of frustration and annoyance, being washed-out, and drained. […] One of the most prominent HRQoL factors in CKD-aP is often its huge impact on sleep quality, leaving some patients barely sleeping at night for days, weeks, or months on end.
  • #49 The Itch Factor: Prurigo Nodularis
    https://www.galdermahcp.com/news/itch-invisible-symptom-prurigo-nodularis
    Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a rare, understudied skin disease with an estimated prevalence of 72 per 100,000 people in the US population and 148.3 per 100,000 people in the Medicare population, many of whom have experienced a significant delay in diagnosis. […] Persistent severe itching, or pruritis, is one of the primary symptoms of PN and causes substantial discomfort to patients. […] The presence of persistent and severe pruritus in patients with PN is debilitating and considered a substantial health burden. Itching contributes to the severity and duration of the disability associated with the disease and causes greater morbidity than other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and anxiety. […] The itching associated with PN significantly affects patients well-being and impairs their quality of life. Most patients with PN suffer from sleep disturbances and consistent social isolation due to the intense and persistent itching they experience. […] Despite significant impacts to the quality of life for patients with PN, an internationally accepted clinical itch classification does not currently exist.
  • #50 Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus: From Epidemiology to Treatment – European Medical Journal
    https://www.emjreviews.com/nephrology/symposium/chronic-kidney-disease-associated-pruritus-from-epidemiology-to-treatment-s120421/
    Although CKD-aP is a standard complication of CKD, under-reporting and underdiagnosis may historically have been overshadowed by a patient’s main kidney-related problems, as well as a number of comorbidities, with CKD treatment, rightfully, being primarily focused on keeping a patient alive. […] Of note though, the DOPPS study data showed that, for patients extremely bothered by CKD-aP, the mortality hazard ratio (HR) (adjusted for a number of covariates) compared with those who were not bothered by CKD-aP was 1.24 (95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.41). […] CKD-aP severity was additionally associated with haemodialysis withdrawal in this study (HR: 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-2.14). […] With progressively improving haemodialysis and new treatments for CKD-related comorbidities, the lives of people with CKD are being significantly extended and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) issues are moving more into view.
  • #51 Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus: From Epidemiology to Treatment – European Medical Journal
    https://www.emjreviews.com/nephrology/symposium/chronic-kidney-disease-associated-pruritus-from-epidemiology-to-treatment-s120421/
    Although CKD-aP is a standard complication of CKD, under-reporting and underdiagnosis may historically have been overshadowed by a patient’s main kidney-related problems, as well as a number of comorbidities, with CKD treatment, rightfully, being primarily focused on keeping a patient alive. […] Of note though, the DOPPS study data showed that, for patients extremely bothered by CKD-aP, the mortality hazard ratio (HR) (adjusted for a number of covariates) compared with those who were not bothered by CKD-aP was 1.24 (95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.41). […] CKD-aP severity was additionally associated with haemodialysis withdrawal in this study (HR: 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-2.14). […] With progressively improving haemodialysis and new treatments for CKD-related comorbidities, the lives of people with CKD are being significantly extended and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) issues are moving more into view.
  • #52 Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus: From Epidemiology to Treatment – European Medical Journal
    https://www.emjreviews.com/nephrology/symposium/chronic-kidney-disease-associated-pruritus-from-epidemiology-to-treatment-s120421/
    Although CKD-aP is a standard complication of CKD, under-reporting and underdiagnosis may historically have been overshadowed by a patient’s main kidney-related problems, as well as a number of comorbidities, with CKD treatment, rightfully, being primarily focused on keeping a patient alive. […] Of note though, the DOPPS study data showed that, for patients extremely bothered by CKD-aP, the mortality hazard ratio (HR) (adjusted for a number of covariates) compared with those who were not bothered by CKD-aP was 1.24 (95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.41). […] CKD-aP severity was additionally associated with haemodialysis withdrawal in this study (HR: 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-2.14). […] With progressively improving haemodialysis and new treatments for CKD-related comorbidities, the lives of people with CKD are being significantly extended and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) issues are moving more into view.

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choroba Hodgkina hemodializa świąd cholestatyczny świąd skóry wyprysk łuszczyca czerwienica prawdziwa wyprysk asteatotyczny świąd mocznicowy przewlekła choroba nerek hipoteza higieniczna atopowe zapalenie skóry immunosenescencja choroba ogólnoustrojowa jakość życia związana ze zdrowiem prurigo nodularis chemioterapia cytotoksyczna pierwotna marskość żółciowa świąd polekowy świąd metaboliczny chłoniak nie-Hodgkina przewlekły świąd świąd wodny