Living with Itch

September 16, 2013
Yosipovitch, chair of the department of dermatology and director of the Temple Itch Center at Temple University School of Medicine, and Kwatra, a dermatology resident at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, present a comprehensive guide for patients, their caregivers, and families. In part one, the authors provide the definition and causes of itch, which can range from mosquito bites or poison ivy (acute itch) to chronic diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis. Part two presents the different forms of itch. Part three covers treatments, including prevention and topical and systemic treatments. Woven through the straightforward medical chapters are several moving essays by patients describing the challenges of living with eczema, psoriatic itch, and cutaneous lymphoma itch. Chronic itch (itching that lasts longer than six weeks), the authors note, can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and even thoughts of suicide. Although there is no simple cure, the book offers hope as well as treatment options, useful charts, and links to online resources. Those seeking support, information, and relief will benefit from this forthright guide. 31 color, 1 b&w illus.