Scratching beneath the surface: Itch, ageing, and medicines
| Sunday, May 31, 2026 |
| 11:00 AM - 11:40 AM |
Overview
Dr Brett MacFarlane
Details
Synopsis
Itch is common, distressing, and often overlooked in older people. This session will equip HMR‑accredited pharmacists with practical insights into the causes of itch in ageing, medicine‑related contributors, and evidence‑based management strategies to improve comfort, sleep, and quality of life in older patients.
Learning Objectives
• Identify common dermatological, systemic, and medicine‑related causes of itch in older people, including red flags requiring medical referral.
• Discuss the contribution of medicines, comorbidities, and age‑related skin changes for an older person with itch.
• Discuss evidence‑based strategies to optimise itch management and improve comfort, sleep, and quality of life in older patients.
Speaker
Dr Brett Macfarlane
Clinical Services Manager
Wesfarmers Health
Scratching beneath the surface: Itch, ageing, and medicines
Biography
Dr Brett MacFarlane is a pharmacist, clinical educator, and Clinical Services Manager at Wesfarmers Health. Emeritus Fellow and former Chief Pharmacist of the Australasian College of Pharmacy, and member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Brett holds a PhD in skin science from the University of Queensland Medical School, where his research focused on transdermal drug delivery.
With over 30 years’ experience in community pharmacy, education, medical writing, public speaking, and podcasting, Brett is known for translating complex clinical evidence into engaging, actionable content. His areas of expertise include dermatology, gastrointestinal health, and pharmacy practice.
