Formulary

16.12 Itch in palliative care

First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only

Itch may be localized, or due to systemic disease. It can cause discomfort, frustration, poor sleep, anxiety and depression. Persistent scratching leads to skin damage – excoriation and thickening. Patients with itch usually have dry skin.

Management

  • Use emollient/aqueous cream frequently (at least three times a day) as a moisturizer
  • Treat underlying causes - e.g. biliary stenting or drainage for cholestasis
  • Review medication to exclude a drug reaction, consider opioid switch
  • Keep nails short
  • Use loose fitting, cotton clothing and sheets and keep cool
  • Dry skin by patting rather than rubbing, then apply moisturizer
  • Avoid lanolin and perfumed products
  • Add an emollient to bath water and use aqueous cream as a soap-substitute
Treatments

Topical agents

Systemic medication