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

More general terms

• pruritus (itching)

Additional terms

• neuropathic pruritus