Neurophysiology -- Neuroanatomy of Itch -- Neuroreceptors and Neuromediators -- The Brain in the Skin: Neuro-Epidermal Synapses -- Central Transmission: From Skin to Brain -- Modulation of Pruritus: Peripheral and Central Sensitisation -- Interaction of Pruritus and Pain -- Neuroimaging -- Measurement of Itch -- Experimental Models of Itch -- Clinics -- Pruritus, Pain and Other Abnormal Skin Sensations -- The Epidemiology of Pruritus -- Classification -- Examination of Patients -- Inflammatory Diseases -- Pruritus in Autoimmune Diseases -- Urticaria -- Pruritic Skin Diseases in Travellers -- Pruritus in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma -- Anal Pruritus -- Secondary Reactive Conditions in Pruritic Skin -- Aquadynia and Aquagenic Pruritus -- Sensitive Skin -- Neurogenic Pruritus with Cerebral and/or Medullary Abnormalities -- Localized Neuropathic Pruritus -- Brachioradial Pruritus -- Other Neurological Causes of Itch -- Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus -- Pruritus in Patients with Hepatobiliary Diseases -- Endocrine Diseases -- Pruritus in the Course of Malignancy -- Drugs -- Interaction Between Pruritus and Stress or Other Psychosomatic Factors -- Psychosomatic Aspects and Psychiatric Conditions -- Psychosomatics and Psychiatry -- Psychogenic Pruritus -- Pruritus in Children -- Pruritus Vulvae -- Treatment -- General Principles and Guidelines -- Menthol -- Capsaicin -- Topical Immunomodulators -- Cannabinoid-Receptor Agonists -- Other Topical Treatments -- Antihistamines -- Anticonvulsants for the Treatment of Pruritus -- Opioid Receptor Antagonists or Agonists -- Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Other Antidepressants in the Treatment of Chronic Pruritus -- Systemic Immunosuppressants in the Treatment of Pruritus -- Other Systemic Treatments -- Psychological Intervention -- Ultraviolet Phototherapy of Pruritus -- Itch and Acupuncture -- Future Perspectives: Outlook.

Acute and chronic pruritus can represent significant management issues both as a common physiological sensation and as a manifestation of dermatologic and non-dermatologic diseases. All patients suffering from itch know that it is a very awkward sensation. Unfortunately, this often significant symptom is frequently considered less severe in comparison with pain. The consequences are that research on this field has been poorer than research on pain and that pruritus is therefore more difficult to treat. New concepts and discoveries have completely modified our understanding of it and have suggested new therapeutic opportunities. Pruritus is a thorough and comprehensive reference in the management of itch designed to be a convenient resource for all physicians confronted with patients suffering from itch. The Editors have recruited a board of internationally renowned experts to provide an in-depth analysis of the causes and management of pruritus including the current concepts in pathophysiology and novel therapeutics.