Pruritus: a new look at an old problem.

Pruritus, a frequent complaint heard by family physicians, is a complex physiological phenomenon mediated by histamine and other peptides. It is associated with a number of common dermatologic diseases but has significant psychological factors as well. In some patients pruritus may be an important marker of systemic disease. Diagnostic approach includes a careful physical examination of primary skin lesions and goal-directed laboratory tests. Careful skin care and oral antihistamines are basic measures to alleviate pruritus.