A. Pemphigus vulgaris – Explanation
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune bullous disease of the skin. It is not commonly associated
with pruritus
Pruritus
The table below lists the main characteristics of the most important causes of pruritus
| Liver disease | History of alcohol excess
Stigmata of chronic liver disease: spider naevi, bruising, palmar erythema, |
| Iron deficiency anaemia | Pallor
Other signs: koilonychia, atrophic glossitis, post-cricoid webs, angular stomatitis |
| Polycythaemia | Pruritus particularly after warm bath
‘Ruddy complexion’ |
| Chronic kidney disease | Lethargy & pallor Oedema & weight gain Hypertension |
| Lymphoma | Night sweats Lymphadenopathy Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly Fatigue |
Other causes:
- hyper- and hypothyroidism
- diabetes
- pregnancy
- ‘senile’ pruritus
- urticaria
- skin disorders: eczema, scabies, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea
