Abstract
Aim:
To explore the pattern of occurrence and characteristics of senile pruritus among elderly living in nursing homes in the Northern region of Denmark.
Materials & methods:
A Danish questionnaire was developed and distributed to six nursing homes from which 46 residents participated.
Results:
The prevalence of chronic itch was 28.9%. Evening–night and autumn–winter with an average daily itch of 30 min were reported. Itch interfered with night sleep and daily activities. Scratching was common with 61.5% accompanying scratch marks. Half of participants reported Xerosis. Cream, cold compress and cold shower were found to be the most effective remedies for itch relief.
Conclusion:
The present study revealed a high prevalence of chronic pruritus including cases of senile pruritus that needs further exploration for treatment or preventive strategies.
Senile pruritus is chronic itch of unknown origin among the elderly. The occurrence and characteristics among Danish nursing home residents was not known. We developed a Danish questionnaire and distributed it to 6 nursing homes, where 46 residents participated. We found a high prevalence of chronic itch (28.9%). Disturbing itch was reported in evening–night and autumn–winter. Itch interfered with night sleep and daily activities. Scratching was common with scratch marks. Showering precipitated itch, while cold shower was a reliever. Further studies are required to enhance the knowledge about senile pruritus and prevention or treatment strategies for elderly living in nursing homes.
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