Özet:

The gradual impairment of functions of kidneys, having a great vital importance, causes various problems in a number of organs and systems. Since skin and mucosa symptoms among them become apparent in the late period, the diagnostic values are low; however, they are important as they cause some disorders and impair the quality of life of patients. The pruritus, which is observed in the end-stage renal failure, is known as the uremic pruritus. Itching prevalence in hemodialysis patients is one of the most common and disturbing symptoms of the end-stage renal failure, even though it has decreased in recent years. Even if the pruritus is not hazardous alone, it causes physical and mental fatigue, insomnia, chronic fatigue, social isolation, anger-anxiety-depression in many patients and a decrease in the self-esteem, self-care ability and quality of life. The reasons of the uretic pruritus have not been exactly understood today and the pathophysiological basis of the uretic pruritus is expected to be enlightened in many patients. Just like in other diseases whose etiology cannot precisely be enlightened, there is no explicit and efficient treatment method in uretic pruritus, as well. The use of essential oils, which are extracted from herbal sources and concentrated, for their therapeutic effects is defined as aromatherapy. The nursing practices use the topical practice methods of aromatherapy. This obscurity in the treatment of pruritus has enabled the use of various complementary and alternative treatment methods and aromatherapy has become one of these treatment methods. This review gives information about the efficiency of aromatherapy on controlling the uretic itching in hemodialysis patients.

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