The pathophysiology of pruritus – A review for clinicians

Abstract

Pruritus is a troubling and occasionally disabling symptom. For clinicians, over time, ignorance of mechanism has often led to therapeutic frustration. The last decade has significant progress in the understanding of the complex pathophysiology of pruritus. Most of that literature has emerged in neurobiology, immunology, and experimental dermatology; little has appeared in palliative care literature. This review synthesizes the current understanding of the mechanism of pruritus and argues that a well-informed knowledge of pathophysiology is necessary to both illuminate this area of clinical practice and enhance strategies of management.