Patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CHRI) suffer usually from generalized pruritus which is difficult to control. One of the treatments which can have a favourable effect on pruritus is UV radiation. Fifteen patients were exposed to the action of UVB radiation in doses from 20 to 45 s for 1 min 20 s to 18 min (i.e. 0.09 - 0.18 J/cm 2 to 1.9 - 4.32 J/cm 2 ). Ten treated patients perceived marked regression of pruritus after irradiation, three a slight relief and in two a change in the intensity of itching did not occur. Another four affected patients were exposed to the action of UVA radiation, from 0.5 J/cm 2 to 10.0 J/cm 2. But with the exception of one female patient the authors did not have the impression that the pruritus improved after irradiation. It seems that UVB acts more favourably on inhibition of pruritus and can be thus used as an effective method extending contemporary antipruriginous treatment in patients with CHRI. So far it is however difficult to explain this more favourable effect.

        Key words: pruritus - UV radiation - haemodialysis