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psychogenic pruritus
Etiology:
- depression, anxiety, somatoform disorder
History:
- most patients are able to identify a precipitating psychological trigger
Clinical manifestations:
- usually confined to the extremities, but may be generalized
- may occur on back
- absence of primary skin lesions
- scattered linear excoriation is most common finding
- hypopigmented scars from scratching is common
Differential diagnosis:
- neuropathic pruritus
Management:
- psychotherapy
- doxepin may be useful
- see pruritus
Related
neuropathic pruritus
General
pruritus (itching)
References
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 15, 17, 18.
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2009, 2015, 2018.