Medizinhistorische Aspekte zum Symptom „Pruritus“ im deutschsprachigem Raum (1850–1939)

Abstract

Since the establishment of dermatology as an independent discipline of medicine in the middle of the 19th century, pruritus or itch has been a subject of research. The goals were to discover the etiology of pruritus, to develop useful therapies and to achieve a classification within the system of skin diseases. Looking at historical aspects of pruritus demonstrates just how difficult it has been to approach this problem. The difficulties even influence present day pruritus research. For example, there is no definite international standard of pruritus. Etiology-oriented classifications have dominated, but have recently been supplemented by a clinical classification.

The symptom of itch in medical history: highlights through the centuries

“…Others remained, working more or less in accordance with the regime, among them Walther Krantz and Walther Schönfeld who, however, did not join the National Socialist party. As Germany isolated itself from the international scientific community, the focus of dermatologic research, which may well be said to have been in Germany in the 1920s, shifted to the USA 44,66 …”

“…As Germany isolated itself from the international scientific community, the focus of dermatologic research, which may well be said to have been in Germany in the 1920s, shifted to the USA. 44,66 Itching for revolution To conclude, it seems appropriate to consider briefly the cultural meaning of pruritus. The most famous patient in the history of itch was Jean Paul Marat (1743-1793).…”