When considering the diagnosis of<unk> , it is important to rule out medical, dermatologic and neuropathic causes. A strong history should be obtained and appropriate labwork should be drawn. One should consider drawing for a CBC (Complete Blood Count), ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), liver, renal and thyroid panel as abnormalities with any can contribute to pruritus. Pruritus can be seen with hepatic and renal disease such as cholestasis, alcoholic liver disease, primary biliary cholangitis, hepatitis B and C, and chronic kidney disease. Drug and alcohol use can contribute to pruritus as well so it is worthwhile to gather a social history. Those who use cocaine and amphetamines may experience pruritus due to feelings of abnormal cutaneous sensations called 'delusions of parasitosis', also known as "meth mites". Opioid users can also experience pruritus so examining a patient's medication list can be beneficial. Diagnostic criteria The French Psychodermatology Group is a subgroup of the French Society of Dermatology made up on psychiatrists, dermatologists and psychologists. They met in 2007 to propose diagnostic criteria for this disease in hope of preventing further misdiagnosis of this condition. They believed the term "functional itch disorder" was the best phrase to describe this condition, avoiding the use of the word<unk> ". To diagnose a patient with functional itch disorder, the patient should meet three required criteria and three of seven optional criteria. Diagnostic Criteria: * 3 Required criteria * Localized or generalized pruritus without a primary skin lesion * Chronic pruritus, characterized as being greater than 6 weeks * There is no somatic cause present * 7 Optional criteria (need 3 to diagnose) * A chronological relationship of pruritus with one or several life events that can have psychological consequences * Changes during the nighttime * More present during rest or inaction * There is a coupled psychological disorder * Pruritus that could be improved with pyschotropic drugs * Pruritus that could be improved by psychotherapies
Psychogenic pruritus
Aquagenic pruritus
HIV-associated pruritus
Hydroxyethyl starch-induced pruritus
Grocer's itch
Swimmer's itch
Phototoxic tar dermatitis
Cholestatic pruritus