An older adult may develop a generalized pruritus without apparent cause. Ward and Ernhard suggest using the term “Willan’s itch” (named for an early dermatologist) to avoid the word senile.
Criteria of Ward and Bernhard for idiopathic purpura in an elderly patient:
(1) elderly patient
(2) generalized pruritus
(3) exclusion of identifiable cause (which may take some time)
Management of idiopathic senile pruritus involves control of symptoms rather than treating the precipitating cause. Gabapentin, histamine H1 receptor antagonists, or serotonin antagonists may be effective in symptom control. Phototherapy with UV radiation or topical therapy can also be used.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
