Medical Xpress reports that a team of researchers, led by Dr. Juliette Polmeier, conducted a cross-sectional study of 4,474 participants, as part of the Rotterdam Study, to assess the prevalence of chronic itching, its associated factors, and its impact on quality of life.
The results showed that itching was observed in 8.6% of participants, within the past twelve months in 10.5%, and throughout their lives in 18.6%. The risk of developing chronic itching was also found to increase with factors such as advancing age, smoking, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, severe dry skin, asthma, fatty liver disease, polyneuropathy, as well as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
The researchers noted a moderate decrease in the quality of life of participants who currently suffer from itching, and this effect is more pronounced in those with atopic dermatitis or psychological disorders.
The researchers noted that these findings confirm that chronic itching in the elderly is a multifaceted condition, requiring a comprehensive approach that includes psychological support alongside medical treatment.
