Back to Search
Start Over
Lactase Deficiency: A Potential Novel Aetiological Factor in Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin.
- Source :
- Acta Dermato-Venereologica; 2011, Vol. 91 Issue 6, p698-703, 6p, 2 Charts, 3 Graphs
- Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Chronic pruritus, which is associated with a wide variety of underlying diseases, represents a challenge in diagnostics and treatment in dermatology and general medicine. The cause of pruritus remains unknown in up to 45% of patients. In this study, 718 patients with chronic pruritus were analysed concerning lactase deficiency, demographic data, aetiology, duration and intensity of pruritus. A total of 154 patients were tested positive for lactase deficiency and 38.3% showed a significant anti-pruritic response to a lactose-free diet (minimum 4 weeks). The best results were observed in patients with pruritus of mixed or unknown origin (n = 91; 64% response). Age, sex, localization or duration had no significant influence on the anti-pruritic effect of a lactose-free diet. Lactase deficiency might be an independent causal factor in the elicitation of chronic pruritus. Thus, screening for lactase deficiency represents a rational step in the diagnostic work-up of chronic pruritus. In case of a positive test result, a lactose-free diet offers a low-cost, efficient and specific therapy in patients with chronic pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- ITCHING
LACTOSE intolerance
DIET
ETIOLOGY of diseases
DERMATOLOGY
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00015555
- Volume :
- 91
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Acta Dermato-Venereologica
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 70200335
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-1150