Final answer:
Neuropathic pruritus is itching caused by anatomical lesions affecting nerves, like in Hansen's disease (leprosy), nerve compression, or damage from diabetes. It involves mechanoreceptors and dermatomal distribution of nerves, and treatments focus on underlying conditions and symptom relief.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anatomical Lesions Causing Itching
Pruritus, or itching, can be a common symptom of various dermatological and systemic conditions. One type of pruritus is neuropathic pruritus, which arises from anatomical lesions affecting nerves.
These lesions can be as a result of diseases like Hansen's disease (leprosy), which can cause nerve damage leading to loss of sensation and itchiness in affected skin areas.
Other causes of neuropathic pruritus include nerve compression or damage from trauma or medical conditions like diabetes, leading to disturbances in normal sensation and potentially resulting in itchiness.
Mechanoreceptors such as Merkel cells and Meissner's corpuscles play a role in the sensation of touch and can be involved in the production of itchy sensations when affected.
Dermatomal distribution is important, as it helps localize the origin of pruritus, linking it to specific spinal nerves that may be involved in a neuropathic itch.
Treatments for neuropathic pruritus often involve managing the underlying condition causing nerve damage, along with topical and systemic medications to alleviate the itch.