G
Generalised
pruritus |
Granuloma annulare | Gianotti
Crosti syndrome
GENERALISED PRURITUS
This term refers to
generalised itching that is not associated with any definite
skin disease.
- Causes
- Obstructive liver
disease.
- Kidney failure.
- Underlying cancers.
-
- Lymphoma.
- Leukaemia
- Internal cancers.
-
- Blood disorders.
- Polycythaemia rubra
vera.
- Iron deficiency anaemia.
-
- Hormonal disorders
- Diabetes.
- Over or under active
thyroid.
-
- Pregnancy (pruritus
gravidarum).
- Parasitic infestations
-
- Pediculosis (before other signs appear).
- Scabies (before other signs appear).
- Intestinal worm infestations.
-
- Drugs
allergies.
- Psychological causes.
- Xerosis (dry skin).
- Senile pruritus.
- Idiopathic (unknown).
-
- Symptoms
- Generalised itching
which may be worse at night.
- No signs of skin disease
other scratch marks.
-
- What you can do
- You should consult
a doctor to exclude underlying diseases.
-
- What the doctor
may do
- Determine the cause
and treat accordingly.
- If no cause is found,
the diagnosis of senile pruritus (if the person is over 79 years)
or idiopathic pruritus is made and antihistamines
and moisturisers are usually prescribed.
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GRANULOMA ANNULARE
Granuloma annulare
is characterised by skin-coloured or pink bumps arranged in a
circle or semi-circle It usually affects children and young adults.
In rare cases, granuloma annulare can be very widespread and
is called generalised granuloma annulare.
Cause
- Unknown.
- Generalised granuloma
annulare may be due to underlying diabetes.
Symptoms
- Skin coloured or pink
bumps arranged in rings or semi-circles around a slightly depressed
flat centre.
- Usually occur on the
knuckles, fingers, elbows, ankles, tops of the feet and on the
ears.
- Usually few in number
but on rare occasions may be generalised (generalised granuloma
annulare).
- Seventy five per cent
of granuloma annulare resolve within 2 years.
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Granuloma annulare.
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- What you can do
- You should consult
a doctor.
-
- What the doctor
may do
- Perform a skin
biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
- Exclude diabetes.
- Prescribe topical
steroids or inject
intralesional
steroids or use PUVA for
very persistent cases.
- Leave to heal on their
own accord.
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GIANOTTI
CROSTI SYNDROME
Gianotti Crosti syndrome
is also known as papular acrodermatitis. It usually affects children
under the age of 12 years.
Cause
- Gianotti Crosti syndrome
is believed to be a reaction to a virus infection. The viruses
implicated include:-
- Hepatitis B.
- Epstein Barr virus
(the cause of infectious mononucleosis or glandular fever),
- Coxsackie viruses.
- Echo viruses.
- Respiratory syncytial
viruses.
- Polio vaccine enterovirus.
-
- Symptoms
- Multiple pink or dull
red bumps on the face, arm, legs and buttocks.
- Itching may occur
but is uncommon.
- The lymph glands in
the neck, armpits and groins may be slightly enlarged.
- The child usually
feels well although there may be a mild fever.
- Jaundice may occasionally
occur.
What you can do
- You should consult
the doctor.
What the doctor may do
- Prescribe antihistamines
if itchy.
- Prescribe a mild topical
steroid cream.
- The rash usually clears
after 1 - 2 months with slight peeling.
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