common systemic causes
Last reviewed 01/2018
- liver disease - symptom of biliary obstruction, may be the presenting feature
in primary biliary cirrhosis or drug-induced cirrhosis
- chronic renal failure
- thyroid disease - hypo- or hyperthyroidism
- carcinomatosis (especially bronchial)
- iron deficiency
- diabetes mellitus
- parasites:
- onchocerciasis
- schistosomiasis
- lymphoma - may be the presenting feature in Hodgkin's disease
- pregnancy (pruritus gravidarum) - some women develop pruritus during pregnancy,
usually in the later stages but possibly, as early as the third month. Often
attributed to oestrogens
- pre-eruptive herpes zoster
Reference:
- Sheretz EF et al (1992). Skin reactions to systemic disease. Medicine International, 102:4278-81.