Itch - an update

Itch is the most common symptom in dermatology and has a significant impact on the quality of life of our patients. Significant progress has been achieved in understanding the pathophysiology of itch in the last 7 years.  The purpose of this review is to bring the reader up to date on recent advances in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of itch. It describes a clinical classification of itch, based upon improved understanding of the neurophysiology of itch. The review also seeks to point up rational approaches to treatment in the light of these developments. It also describes itch characteristics in Asian populations which are not well addressed in the literature as well as unique types of itch such as neuropathic itch.