Chronic pruritic skin disorders and sleep

Chronic pruritic skin disorder are variably associated with sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation has been shown to have detrimental effects on behavioural, physiological and psychological health. This review focuses on the etiology of sleep disoder associated with pruritic skin conditions and also the commonly-seen chronic pruritic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, infestations and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Suggestions and advice on the management of sleep deprivation in patients with skin conditions are also included. Appropriate treatment will not only improve symptoms but also patient’s quality of life.