What tests are needed for pruritus (skin itching)?

The main examinations required for pruritus (itchy skin) include: 1. **Physical examination**: The doctor will carefully observe the patient's skin condition, including the characteristics of the itchy areas, skin swelling, rashes, plaques, blisters, ulcers, etc., to determine the presence of erythema, papules, or other skin lesions and to assess the extent of the lesions. 2. **Blood tests**: A complete blood count (CBC) can help evaluate inflammatory markers, allergy indicators, and levels of specific pathological markers in the blood, assisting in determining whether inflammation, allergic reactions, or specific diseases are present. 3. **Allergen testing**: If the itching is suspected to be allergy-related, allergen testing may be conducted, such as skin prick tests or serum-specific IgE testing, to identify potential allergens. 4. **Laboratory tests**: These may include assessments of thyroid function, liver function, and kidney function to determine whether the pruritus is associated with conditions such as liver or kidney disease or abnormal thyroid function. 5. **Other examinations**: Depending on the clinical presentation, additional tests such as skin biopsy, microscopic examination of skin smears, complement testing, cryoglobulin testing, or patch testing may be performed to further clarify the underlying cause.