Pediatric skin disorders are painful and disconcerting. The children’s life quality comes down as they cannot resist itching (pruritis). Unfortunately, the symptoms and effects of the itch are not well known. Besides, excessive itching can worsen the condition and make the child socially inept. This study focuses on comprehending the nature and consequences of pediatric itch.
The researchers studied the impact of the itching using adults for comparative purposes. 24 subjects with 9 parents and 15 children with itch were the primary subjects for the interview. These semi-structured conversations delved into itch concerns, experiences, and effects. Previous adult interviews helped to compare the various themes. Literary reviews helped establish the need for comprehensive pediatric itch measures.
The child’s experience got determined by the itch’s quality, intensity, and duration. Environmental triggers such as sweat, stress, clothing, and climate change played a key role. Itch impact themes that emerged from the discussions were skin disruption, emotional reactions, stigma, concentration, physical function, and social relationships. The child and parent reports differed on pain, fatigue, emotional reactions, restlessness, therapy effects, and functional limitations.
The study emphasizes that there is no comprehensive child-specific scale for itch experience. Specific measurement tools are essential as parent and child reports diverged on many themes.
Ref: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjd.19541
