Table 3.

Themes and subthemes

Themes	Description of themes	Subthemes
IDENTITY	Identification and description of pruritus	Problem described in the metaphor
CAUSE	Perceived causes and triggers of chronic pruritus	Diffused, unclear cause due to lack of explanation
TIMELINE	Belief about the expected duration of chronic pruritus	Indefinite course and expectation
CONSEQUENCE	Physical and emotional impact of chronic pruritus on daily living	Isolation and avoidance behaviour
		Sleep disruption
		Dermatological complications
		Emotional disturbance
CONTROLLABILITY	Help‐ and health‐seeking behaviour to manage the chronic pruritus	Scratch response
		Help‐seeking behaviour
		Health‐seeking behaviour with a western doctor
		Alternative therapy with herbs, oils and powder