Efficacy and safety of methylene blue injection for intractable idiopathic pruritus ani: a single-arm metaanalysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate how effective methylene blue injection was at treating intractable idiopathic pruritus ani. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science databases was conducted. All clinical studies (prospective and retrospective) that evaluated the efficacy of methylene blue in treating intractable idiopathic pruritus ani were included. Studies that reported the resolution rate, after a single injection and after a second injection, the recurrence rate, symptom scores, and transient complications of methylene blue injections in treating intractable idiopathic pruritus ani were included. RESULTS: The seven selected studies included 225 patients with idiopathic pruritus ani. The resolution rates after a single injection and after a second injection was 0.761 (0.649-0.873, P < 0.01, I2 = 69.06%) and 0.854 (0.752-0.955, P < 0.01, I2 = 77.391%), respectively, the remission rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.753 (0.612-0.893, P < 0.001), 0.773 (0.675-0.871, P < 0.001) and 0.240 (0.033-0.447, P < 0.001), respectively, the effect value of the merger was 0.569 (0.367-0.772, P < 0.001, I2 = 79.199%), and the recurrence rates at 1, 2, 3, and < 1 year were 0.202 (0.083-0.322, P < 0.001), 0.533 (0.285-0.781, P < 0.001), 0.437 (-0.044, 0.917, P < 0.001) and 0.067 (0.023-0.111, P < 0.001), respectively. The effect value of the merger was 0.223 (0.126-0.319, P < 0.001, I2 = 75.840). CONCLUSION: Using methylene blue injections to treat intractable idiopathic pruritus ani is relatively efficacious, resulting in a relatively low recurrence rate and no severe complications. However, the available literature was of poor quality. Therefore, higher quality studies are necessary to confirm that methylene blue injection is efficacious for pruritus ani, such as a randomized prospective multicenter studies.

Manejo Clínico ­ Quirúrgico de pacientes con Fisura Anal en la Unidad de Coloproctología del HECAM / Clinical-Surgical Management of patients with Anal Fissure in the Unit HECAM Coloproctology

La fisura anal es una de las enfermedades más antiguamente descritas, la misma que, ha tenido hasta el momento múltiples tratamientos tanto médicos como quirúrgicos, existiendo controversias en su algoritmo terapéutico. Constituye una de las patologías cuyo diagnóstico y tratamiento corresponde a la Especialidad de Coloproctología, afecta a ambos sexos y a cualquier edad y puede ser aguda o crónica. Proponemos el presente Protocolo para un adecuado manejo de la patología, de manera que sirva de guía en la toma correcta de decisiones basadas en la evidencia y el consenso de quienes integramos la Unidad Técnica de Coloproctología del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín.

Anal fissure is one of the oldest described diseases, which has so far had multiple medical and surgical treatments, with controversies in its therapeutic algorithm. It is one of the pathologies whose diagnosis and treatment corresponds to the Coloproctology Specialty, it affects both sexes and any age and can be acute or chronic. We propose the present Protocol for an adequate management of the pathology, so that it serves as a guide in the correct decision making based on evidence and consensus of those who integrate the Technical Unit of Coloproctology of the Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín.

Evaluation, management and future perspectives of anal pruritus: a narrative review.

PURPOSE: The without a time limitation. Most recent search was performed on 1st June 2022. RESULTS: Thorough history and physical examination are very important in view of multiple possible causes of anal pruritus. Most of the focus during examination is drawn on to the perianal region. A digital rectal examination and an anoscopy are essential. It is necessary aim of this narrative review is to overview the classification, diagnostics, possible treatment options and future perspective of anal pruritus. METHODS: The search was performed by two authors (AD and MJ) independently in the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL and the Allied and Complementary Medicine Databases (AMED). Search was restricted to English language only to avoid moisture and the use of soaps in the perianal region. Furthermore, the patient should avoid certain foods and increase the intake of fiber. If the symptoms do not resolve, topical steroids, capsaicin (0.006%) and tacrolimus (0.1%) ointments may be used. For intractable cases, intradermal methylene blue injection might give a long-lasting symptom relief. CONCLUSION: Anal pruritus is a long-term deteriorating quality of life issue. Most of the time it is a symptom with a difficult diagnosis. Thorough history and examination should be performed for the best possible treatment.

Causes and Management of Pruritus Ani.

CASE SUMMARY: A 48-year-old healthy man presented to the office reporting a long-standing history of anal pruritus. He had tried various over-the-counter creams without much success. Besides an anal fissure in the past, which responded to nitroglycerin ointment, his medical history was unremarkable. On physical examination, he was found to have grade I hemorrhoids and mild fecal smearing on perianal skin. Recent colonoscopy and laboratory work ordered by the primary care provider were normal. He was counseled on common inciting agents and local irritants and was advised on hygiene, diet modification, and stool-bulking agents. The colorectal surgeon recommended that the patient keep a journal about his symptoms, foods, and household chemicals used. He was seen twice more over the course of 6 months to pinpoint the cause of his pruritus. A short-course trial of topical steroid, barrier cream, and topical tacrolimus was not helpful. A biopsy of perianal skin was performed and was unrevealing. Eventually, given the persistence of symptoms, it was decided that he would undergo methylene blue injection to address his pruritus (Fig. 1). The procedure consisted of several intradermal and subcutaneous injections of 10 mL of 1% methylene blue combined with 7.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine with adrenaline (1/100,000) and 7.5 mL 0.5% lidocaine. After the methylene blue injection, the severity of his symptoms improved, but pruritus still persisted. A methylene blue injection of the same concentration was repeated in 3 months with complete resolution of symptoms.

Perianal psoriasis as the first manifestation of the disease

Introduction: Inverse psoriasis affects the skin of flexural areas, such as the groin, axillae, umbilicus, intergluteal fold, and external genitalia. Clinical Case: We herein report the case of a man who presented with anal pruritus and, upon physical examination, a perianal dermatosis was found, which was characterized by erythematous plaques, with fine scaling. The case was initially managed with zinc oxide, and when no improvement was observed, we decided to take an incisional biopsy, which indicated histological changes suggestive of psoriasiform dermatitis. Discussion: Inverse psoriasis affects 3% to 7% of patients with psoriasis, and it manifests with erythematous plaques without the classic scaling appearance. The skin in these areas is susceptible to maceration, irritation, and ulceration, which alter the classic clinical picture. It may present with typical lesions or, less frequently, in isolation in the anogenital region. In the anogenital presentation only, the diagnosis should be made by biopsy, looking for the classic histopathological features of psoriasis. As for the first-line treatment, low- or medium-potency topical steroids are used for short periods of time; the second-line treatment is with emollients and tar-based products; and the third-line treatment uses an immunomodulator. Conclusion: This presentation is infrequent, and it requires a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis, always supported by biopsies, in search of the classic histopathological features of psoriasis. (AU)

Evaluation of online content of proctological disorders in the Portuguese language

Introduction: health literacy has an increasing relevance as the disseminated access to online contents may impact on community health. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of the online content of benign proctological disorders.Methods: the platforms Google© and YouTube™ were searched using the keywords hemorrhoidal disease, anal fistula, anal fissure, anal pruritus and fecal incontinence. Each page was analyzed for: interactivity, credibility, readability and content adequacy. For each video, the content, reactions and comments of the users were analyzed. Three validated scales were applied: Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG); Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), and quality criteria for consumer health information on treatment choices (DISCERN).Results: a total of 127 webpages and 113 videos were evaluated. Forty webpages (31.50 %) included images and ten (37.04 %) had informative videos. The SMOG scale had an average value of 9.91 ± 0.94, which estimates the need for ten years of schooling for comprehension and 64 webpages (52.07 %) presented a reading level higher than the recommended B1. The mean SAM score was 39.46 ± 11.2 % and the DISCERN scale averaged 40.33 ± 5.69, corresponding to a reasonable content. Only 20 pages (15.75 %) included interactivity tools and 44 (34.64 %) contained bibliographic references. The videos posted by patients (n = 67, 59.2 %) had the highest number of views and positive comments whereas videos from health professionals (n = 21; 18.75 %) had the highest proportion of requests for additional information.Discussion: online content regarding benign proctological disorders is globally inappropriate for the health literacy level of the Portuguese population, both at the written and reading levels. (AU)

Prevalencia de enterobiasis y factores socioambientales en una zona rural de Ecuador / Prevalence of enterobiasis and socio-environmental factors in a rural area from Ecuador

La gestión de los residuos sanitarios requiere atención especial y todos los equipos sanitarios deben participar en la manipulación de los residuos. Se presta menos atención a la gestión de residuos sanitarios en países en vías de desarrollo y no hay evidencia sobre las prácticas de gestión de residuos sanitarios en algunas instituciones sanitarias. Este estudio se realizó para evaluar las prácticas de gestión de residuos sanitarios y los factores asociados en tres hospitales de Perú. Es un estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo y de corte transversal basado en tres establecimientos de salud. Los datos se recopilaron mediante cuestionarios y listas de verificación de observación. El (66,67%) de los trabajadores conocían sobre el manejo de los desechos biológicos. La mayoría conocía los riesgos asociados con el manejo de los mismos (95,91%). Los participantes tenían el conocimiento de que pueden evitarse las infecciones. Nueve de cada diez de los trabajadores realizaron por lo menos dos capacitaciones en la gestión del manejo de los desechos biológicos. El 95,91% conocía los códigos de colores correctos de los contenedores para diferentes flujos de desechos. En cuanto a las actitudes, 161 (94,15 %) indicó que la gestión de los desechos biológicos era importante y 162 (94,74%) estuvo de acuerdo en que era necesaria una implementación estricta para la gestión adecuada de los mismos en el establecimiento de salud. Elementos clave para mejorar las prácticas de gestión de residuos sanitarios en hospitales: promover prácticas que reduzcan el volumen de residuos generados y aseguren una adecuada segregación de residuos(AU)

Healthcare waste management requires special attention and every healthcare teams should be involved in handling of wastes. However, less attention is paid to health care waste management in developing countries and there is no evidence on health care waste management practices in some institutions providing health services. This study was conducted to assess healthcare waste management practices and associated factors in three hospitals in Peru. It is a descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional study based on three health establishments. Data were collected using questionnaire and observational checklists. The (66.67%) of the workers knew about the management of biological waste. The majority knew the risks associated with handling them (95.91%). Participants were aware that infections can be prevented. Nine out of ten of the workers completed at least two trainings in the management of biological waste. 95.91% knew the correct container color codes for different waste streams. Regarding attitudes, 161 (94.15%) indicated that the management of biological waste was important and 162 (94.74%) agreed that strict implementation was necessary for proper management of biological waste in the environment health facility. Key elements to improve healthcare waste management practices in hospitals: promote practices that reduce the volume of waste generated and ensure proper waste segregation(AU)

[Web search data as health data? : Geographic differences, temporal trends, and topics of interest from internet search engine analyses in Germany]. / Websearch-Daten als Gesundheitsdaten? : Geografische Unterschiede, zeitliche Trends und Interessenschwerpunkte von Internetsuchmaschinenanfragen in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: Limited timely, cost-effective, and regional availability of healthcare data is considered one of the limiting factors for timely analyses in the field of health services research and thus for healthcare delivery to the general population. Thus, Internet search engine analyses are coming into focus in this context. OBJECTIVES: What contribution can data on the volume of Internet searches for various diseases make to the health care of the German population? Where is the potential and where are the limitations? METHODS: A review of the current literature and a selective overview of Internet search engine analyses of dermatological, allergological, and infectious diseases published in the last 4 years in Germany were performed. RESULTS: By analyzing web search data, temporal developments such as seasonality, months with the highest interest, and geographical differences can be mapped at the national, state (Bundesländer), and city level and major points of interest (e.g., skin cancer of the eye or anal itching) regarding a certain health topic can be identified. In addition, some studies were able to show correlations between search volume and external factors (e.g., temperature, care structure) and to registered cases (e.g., skin cancer, Lyme disease). CONCLUSION: Web search data, given the limitations noted, are able to directly provide spatiotemporal mapping regarding the needs of the Internet-using population. They are particularly useful in situations where traditional health data are limited or unavailable.

Clinical Efficacy of Tacrolimus Ointment + 3% Boric Acid Lotion Joint Chinese Angelica Decoction in Chronic Perianal Eczema.

OBJECTIVE: To unearth the clinical efficacy of tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion joint Chinese angelica decoction in chronic perianal eczema. METHODS: Patients with chronic perianal eczema admitted to hospital from June 2018 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the control group (n = 38) underwent basic therapy with tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion, whereas those in the observation group (n = 38) were given oral Chinese angelica decoction on the basis of the above therapy. Patient's baseline information before therapy and clinical symptoms after therapy were observed and compared, including pruritus ani score, anus drainage and damp score, skin lesion score, skin lesion area score, life quality index score, and IL-2, IL-4, and IgE levels in serum. Overall efficacy in the two groups was also evaluated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the baseline information between the observation group and control group before therapy. After therapy, pruritus ani score (P = 0.023), anus drainage and damp score (P = 0.041), skin lesion score (P = 0.025), and skin lesion area score (P = 0.035) of patients in the observation group were remarkably lower than those in the control group. Significantly higher release levels of clinical symptoms of patients in the observation group were indicated. With respect to the control group, the life quality score (P = 0.020) and IgE level in serum (P = 0.003) of patients in the observation group were significantly lower, while IL-4 level in serum was significantly higher (P = 0.129). The therapy in the observation group achieved better clinical efficacy. Overall efficacy in the observation group was markedly favorable with respect to the control group. CONCLUSION: With respect to tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion, patients with chronic perianal eczema displayed better clinical efficacy after jointly being treated by Chinese angelica decoction.

Adult-onset perianal Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as pruritus ani: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cells belong to the histiocytic system and give rise to two tumors: Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Langerhans cell sarcoma. Clinical aggressiveness and degree of atypia distinguish the two neoplasms. Langerhans cell histiocytosis can infiltrate a single or multiple organ systems and particularly affects bone, skin, and lymph nodes. Perianal cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare condition in adults, with 15 cases reported in the literature. CASE: We present the case of a 50-year-old hispanic man who presented with a 9-month history of pruritus ani and a personal history of diabetes insipidus. Punch biopsy confirmed a lesion of Langerhans cells origin but could not exclude Langerhans cell sarcoma because of limited sample size. An additional biopsy was planned as well as a positron emission tomography scan to determine the extent of disease spread. While the patient failed to follow up for repeat biopsy, the positron emission tomography scan was performed and was negative for metastatic disease. A stable perianal lesion of Langerhans cell histiocytosis with benign clinical features in a 50-year-old male despite lack of treatment is extremely rare and has not been described in the literature so far. Here, we review the presentation and workup of patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, review the relevant literature, and discuss treatment planning. CONCLUSION: Perianal Langerhans cell histiocytosis is rare, and there should be a high index of suspicion with chronic or new perianal lesions, especially in a patient with a history of diabetes insipidus. It is also important to consider the patient's full clinical course when it is not possible to reach a definitive pathological diagnosis before management.

Dermatitis perianal estreptocócica: estudio clínico-epidemiológico de 95 episodios / Perianal streptococcal dermatitis: clinical and epidemiological study of 95 episodes

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: analizar las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la dermatitis perianal por estreptococo betahemolítico del grupo A (SBHGA). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: serie de casos con recogida prospectiva de datos durante un periodo de ocho años en una consulta de Pediatría. RESULTADOS: se diagnosticaron 95 episodios (1/298 consultas) en 76 niños (varones/mujeres: 1,6/1). Edad media 4,5 años. Padecieron más de un episodio 13 pacientes con un total de 19 episodios sucesivos: 10 de ellos en un periodo inferior a 6 meses respecto al anterior (11% del total de episodios). Los motivos de consulta más frecuentes fueron: prurito, sangrado, dolor, estreñimiento y eritema perianal. El tratamiento se realizó por vía tópica en el 70% de los primeros episodios y combinado (tópico y sistémico) en el 68% de los sucesivos. Se constató un fracaso terapéutico inicial en tres episodios. La distribución estacional fue similar a la de faringoamigdalitis y escarlatinas por SBHGA diagnosticadas en el mismo periodo. CONCLUSIONES: cinco motivos de consulta (prurito, sangrado, dolor, estreñimiento y eritema perianal), solos o combinados, estuvieron presentes en el 92% de los episodios. En solo el 17% de los primeros episodios el eritema perianal fue motivo de consulta. Puede ser tenue, sus bordes no siempre son nítidos y en ocasiones asocia lesiones satélites

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: to analyse the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of perianal dermatitis cases caused by group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus (GABHS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: prospective case series with collection of data for a period of 8 years in an outpatient paediatrics clinic. RESULTS: there were 95 episodes (1/298 visits) diagnosed in 76 children (predominantly boys, 1.6/1). The mean age was 4.5 years. Thirteen patients had more than one episode, with a total of 19 recurrent episodes, 10 of them within 6 months of the previous episode (11% of the total number of episodes). The most frequent presenting complaints were itching, bleeding, pain, constipation and perianal erythema. Treatment was topical in 70% of the initial episodes, and combination therapy (topical and systemic) was used in 68% of recurrent episodes. The initial treatment failed in 3 cases. The seasonal case distribution was similar to that of pharyngotonsillitis and scarlet fever caused by GABHS in the same time period. CONCLUSIONS: five presenting complaints (itching, bleeding, pain, constipation and perianal erythema), alone or in combination, were present in 92% of the episodes. Perianal erythema was the presenting complaint in only 17% of the first episodes. Erythema can be faint and its borders are not always well demarcated, and may manifest with associated satellite lesions

Melanoma anal, patología infrecuente, reporte de un caso / Anal melanoma uncommon pathology, case report / Melanoma anal, patologia infreqüente, relato de um caso

El melanoma anal (MA) es un tumor infrecuente, caracterizado por presentar un comportamiento agresivo y mal pronóstico(1). La sintomatología inespecífica con la cual se presenta y su similitud con etiologías benignas anorrectales, dificulta el diagnóstico y puede conducir a un retraso en el mismo(2)(3). Por lo tanto, es necesaria una exploración física minuciosa y un elevado índice de sospecha. Se discute el caso de una paciente que consultó por tumoración anal dolorosa, no pigmentada y rectorragia; a la que se le realiza diagnóstico de melanoma anal.

Anal melanoma (MA) is an infrequent tumor, characterized by aggressive behavior and poor prognosis(1). The nonspecific symptomatology and its similarity with benign anorectal etiologies, makes the diagnosis difficult and leads to a delay in it(2)(3).Therefore, a thorough physical examination and a high index of suspicion are necessary. The case of a patient who consulted for a non-pigmented and painful anal mass with rectal bleeding is discussed; which is diagnosed with anal melanoma.

O melanoma anal (MA) é um tumor infrequente, caracterizado por apresentar um comportamento agressivo e ter um mauprognóstico(1). A sintomatologia inespecífica da sua apresentação e a sua similaridade com etiologias benignas anorretais dificultam o diagnóstico e pode levar a um atraso do mesmo(2)(3). Por tanto é necessário uma exploração física minuciosa e um indice de suspeita elevado. Discute-se o um caso de uma paciente que consultou por uma tumoração anal, dolorosa, não pigmentada e retorragia, a qual se realizou o diagnostico de melanoma anal.

Melanoma del canal anal: a propósito de un caso / Melanoma of the anal canal: a propos of a case

RESUMEN Los melanomas mucosos son tumores poco frecuentes y de mal pronóstico. Presentan un comportamiento agresivo, y pueden tener varias localizaciones en el aparato digestivo. Este tipo de tumores es más frecuente en la región anorectal. Se presentó un caso de una paciente femenina de 59 años, con un cuadro de varios meses de evolución; caracterizado por ardor, prurito anal y sensación de masa que prolapsaba a través del ano. Se constató al examen físico masa tumoral aspecto polipoideo. Se realizó polipectomía donde la biopsia arrojó como resultados el aspecto histológico de un melanoma mucoso de canal anal.

ABSTRACT Mucous melanomas are few frequent and have a bad prognosis. They present an aggressive behavior and might have several locations in the digestive system. This kind of tumors is more frequent at the anus-rectal region. The authors presented the case of a female patient, aged 59 years, with clinical conditions of several months of evolution, characterized by burning, anal pruritus and the sensation of a mass prolapsing through the anus. A tumor mass of polypoid aspect was found at physical examination. Polypectomy was carried out and the biopsy showed the histologic aspect of a mucous melanoma of the anal canal.

Melanoma del canal anal: a propósito de un caso / Melanoma of the anal canal: a propos of a case

RESUMEN Los melanomas mucosos son tumores poco frecuentes y de mal pronóstico. Presentan un comportamiento agresivo, y pueden tener varias localizaciones en el aparato digestivo. Este tipo de tumores es más frecuente en la región anorectal. Se presentó un caso de una paciente femenina de 59 años, con un cuadro de varios meses de evolución; caracterizado por ardor, prurito anal y sensación de masa que prolapsaba a través del ano. Se constató al examen físico masa tumoral aspecto polipoideo. Se realizó polipectomía donde la biopsia arrojó como resultados el aspecto histológico de un melanoma mucoso de canal anal (AU).

ABSTRACT Mucous melanomas are few frequent and have a bad prognosis. They present an aggressive behavior and might have several locations in the digestive system. This kind of tumors is more frequent at the anus-rectal region. The authors presented the case of a female patient, aged 59 years, with clinical conditions of several months of evolution, characterized by burning, anal pruritus and the sensation of a mass prolapsing through the anus. A tumor mass of polypoid aspect was found at physical examination. Polypectomy was carried out and the biopsy showed the histologic aspect of a mucous melanoma of the anal canal (AU).

Long-term follow-up of intradermal injection of methylene blue for intractable, idiopathic pruritus ani.

BACKGROUND: While various medical treatments such as topical steroid ointment, antihistamine agent, and sedatives have been used for treating idiopathic intractable pruritus ani, they are not long-term solutions, due to the high recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of methylene-blue intradermal-injection therapy for treating patients with idiopathic intractable pruritus ani. Symptom improvement and recurrence rates were determined with a long-term follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from January 2011 to October 2013 on consecutive patients with intractable pruritus ani treated with methylene-blue intradermal injection. The therapy included 5 ml of 1% methylene blue and 15 ml of 1% lidocaine. Follow-up included a physical exam and satisfaction-score survey (1 = much worse, 2 = worse, 3 = no improvement, 4 = much better, 5 = gone completely) before treatment, 6 weeks after treatment, and 3 years after treatment to check patient status and recurrence rate. RESULTS: Of 103 treated patients, 96 were able to attend the 6-week follow-up visit. There were 58 (60.4%) males and 38 (39.6%) females with a mean age of 48.34 ± 10.21 years. Their mean satisfaction score at 6 weeks was 4.23 ± 0.86. Of the total of 96 patients, 9 (9.4%) patients scored 3 or less in their satisfactions score at 6 weeks. 62 (64.6%) patients were evaluated 3-year post-treatment. The satisfaction score at 3 years after treatment was 4.74 ± 0.57. Besides the 9 patients who initially failed treatment, 4 of the remaining 53 patients scored 3 or less in their satisfaction score surveys. Thus, the recurrence rate at 3 years was 7.5% (4/53). CONCLUSIONS: Methylene-blue intradermal injection can result in a high symptom improvement rate with low recurrence rate for patients with idiopathic pruritus ani.

Medical needs and major complaints related to pruritus in Germany: a 4-year retrospective analysis using Google AdWords Keyword Planner.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to estimate the prevalence of acute and chronic pruritus in the population at large due to a lack of affected persons seeking medical assistance. OBJECTIVE: To discover the incidence of pruritus in Germany and determine what the most common related complaints are via an analysis of Google's search volume. METHODS: From June 2013 to April 2017, the Google AdWords Keyword Planner was utilized to select and critically assess relevant keywords for 'pruritus'. RESULTS: Among a total of 13 691 470 German language Google searches on the topic of pruritus, it was found that the most searched for terms included atopic eczema (24.3%) and the layman's term for psoriasis ('Schuppenflechte'; 17.8%), as well as just psoriasis (13.4%). 'Juckreiz', the German word for pruritus, was determined to be only the sixth most searched for term (2.9%). Anal pruritus and pruritus of the entire body comprised the most searched for localizations. The various factors that impact pruritus, particularly skin conditions and disorders, were established to be among the most searched for terms (72.6%). A decreased monthly search volume was associated with the changing seasons; the summertime had the lowest number of searches for pruritus. CONCLUSION: The Google search engine analysis provided insight for this study into the unexpectedly large number of unmet medical needs of those suffering from pruritus within Germany, especially that of specific localizations on the body.