Chronic pruritus of unknown origin: a therapeutic approach.

Abstract

Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is defined as itching lasting over 6 weeks without an identifiable medical cause. This condition significantly impairs patients' quality of life and carries a substantial psychosocial burden, often requiring systemic treatment and contributing to a considerable health care load. Managing CPUO is challenging due to its varied clinical presentations, unpredictable treatment responses, and unknown underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, there's limited scientific evidence supporting most current treatments. This review offers a practical diagnostic and therapeutic approach for CPUO patients, drawing from the latest expert recommendations and literature consensus.