THE IMPACT OF PRURITUS ON QUALITY OF LIFE: A REVIEW OF PRURITIOUS DISEASES

Abstract

Introduction: Pruritus, or itching, is a symptom that affects a significant portion of the population, reflecting conditions ranging from dermatological diseases to systemic disorders. The impact of pruritus on quality of life has been a relevant topic, since it causes physical discomfort, sleep disorders and emotional consequences, such as anxiety and depression. Pruritus diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis and urticaria, not only compromise physical well-being, but also affect the social and professional life of individuals. Thus, understanding the extent of this impact is essential for effective management and promotion of patients' mental and physical health. Objective: To analyze the impact of pruritus on quality of life in individuals affected by pruritus diseases, highlighting physical, emotional and social aspects. Methodology: The research was carried out using the PRISMA checklist, covering articles published in the last 10 years in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases. Five descriptors were used: "pruritus", "quality of life", "pruritic diseases", "emotional impact" and "therapeutic interventions". Inclusion criteria consisted of studies that addressed adults with pruritic diseases, articles that presented quantitative data on quality of life and peer-reviewed publications. Exclusion criteria were studies focusing on pediatric populations, articles that did not provide relevant data on pruritus and reviews or commentaries without original data. Results: The review identified that pruritus not only causes physical discomfort, but also contributes significantly to the deterioration of quality of life. The main topics found included the relationship between pruritus and emotional problems, such as increased anxiety and depression, as well as difficulties in maintaining social relationships. Therapeutic interventions, such as the use of corticosteroids and behavioral therapies, have shown to be effective in reducing pruritus and, consequently, improving quality of life. Conclusion: Pruritus is a symptom that greatly impacts the quality of life of patients with pruritic diseases, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach in treatment. The reviewed literature reinforced the importance of effective interventions to mitigate not only the physical, but also the emotional and social aspects of pruritus, thus promoting better management of associated conditions.