More people suffer from chronic itching

More and more people suffer from chronic itching

09/21/2014

For more and more people, chronic itching becomes a burden. Up to a quarter of adults in Germany are affected. Every year it gets more, as it was announced at an expert conference.

Up to a quarter of German adults affected
Itchy rash, itchy scalp, Afterjucken: For more people, chronic itching is a burden. According to a report by the news agency dpa, the University of Münster reported that 13 to 26 percent of adults in Germany are affected. According to a study by the University of Munich, about seven percent are added annually. The number of patients varies according to age. The numbers were presented by experts during an itching session.

Physical causes of itching
Initially, chronic itching (pruritus) has a physical cause, such as iron deficiency or metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. „If the triggering disease, for example, the liver, has been treated successfully, the itching becomes autonomous, becomes chronic and torture“, said the head of the Competence Center Chronic Pruritus in Münster, Sonja Ständer. However, it is still a mystery to the researchers why this is so.

Understand psychosomatic triggers better
It was particularly bad in 15 percent of those affected: „These patients have an even stronger itching sensation, a considerable suffering and scratch themselves even more intense“, so stand. Currently around 600 people are treated in Münster alone. There are six pruritus ambulances at universities nationwide. In order to better understand the psychosomatic triggers of chronic itching, the pruritus symposium in Münster met this year together with experts in psychosomatic dermatology.

Therapy depending on cause and type of itching
Therapies for pruritus depend on the cause or type of itching. For example, with a corresponding deficit, home remedies for iron deficiency, such as the right combination of foods, can help. Or with pruritus ani, home remedies for after-effects, such as certain compresses or sitz baths, can provide relief. In conventional medicine, itching and cortisone ointments are used. No matter which region of the body is affected, dermatologists always advise against scratching the affected areas. (Ad)