Cutaneous infestations, such as pediculosis and scabies, should not be forgotten as a common cause of itching. Proper treatment of coincidental skin diseases or skin infestation may require the opinion of an experienced dermatologist. Skin care is generally considered a nursing task. Even so, there are many occasions when a team approach is of benefit. The mainstay of treatment for obstructive jaundice is to relieve the primary obstruction - surgically or by the use of a stent, which may be inserted endoscopically or percutaneously.
Antihistamines are the usual symptomatic treatment for itching.
Non-sedative antihistamines are only effective when the itch is associated with histamine wealing, e.g. dermatographism and urticaria. In all other conditions, sedative doses of antihistamines are required. These are effective because of properties related to sedation, rather than primarily as H1 receptor antagonists. Other sedative drugs, such as diazepam or nitrazepam, will also be effective. Cholestyramine is, however, contra-indicated in complete biliary obstruction.