Evaluation and treatment of "psychogenic" pruritus and self-excoriation.

Psychogenic pruritus and self-excoriation are diagnoses of exclusion. Elimination of traditional organic causes often leads the clinician to label a symptom as psychogenic in origin and limits treatment options. This article examines the organic and psychologic causes and concomitants of dermatologic conditions associated with pruritus and self-excoriation. An organized cognitive framework is presented to guide the clinician in the evaluation and treatment of these patients. Specific treatment options are offered and relevant psychopharmacologic agents are reviewed.