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Zuo Y, Wan R, Jiang P, Chen X, Li L, Hua W. Cowhage-induced itch scores and the current perception threshold in assessing sensitive skin: An observational laboratory study. Skin Res Technol 2023; 29:e13387. [PMID: 37357643 PMCID: PMC10242191 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of sensitive skin remains nonuniform, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Previous studies were inconsistent in the current perception threshold (CPT) measurement for sensitive skin; thus, the neural sensitivity of sensitive skin needs to be clarified. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare the CPT measurement and the cowhage test for sensitive skin and to investigate the correlation between CPT values and cowhage-itch scores. METHODS Participants with and without sensitive skin (n = 30, 30) were included. The cowhage test and CPT measurement with its related sensations were performed. RESULTS No difference was found in CPT between the sensitive and nonsensitive groups at either the site of the face or the forearm (5, 250, or 2000 Hz). Once the CPT was reached, sensations (itch, stinging, and throbbing) were significantly different between the two groups. Cowhage provoked more intense itch with a longer duration in the face (visual analog scale [VAS] score 1.90 ± 1.47 vs. 0.52 ± 0.90, p < 0.001; duration 3.80 ± 3.31 vs. 0.87 ± 1.43 min, p < 0.001) and forearm (VAS 2.53 ± 2.60 vs. 0.72 ± 1.06, p < 0.001; duration 3.37 ± 3.46 vs. 1.33 ± 2.14 min, p < 0.01) of the sensitive group compared with the nonsensitive group. Cowhage-induced itch and CPT-related itch (5 Hz) showed moderate correlations in both the face (r = 0.441, p < 0.001) and forearm (r = 0.491 p < 0.001) and weak correlations in the forearm (r = 0.323 at 250 Hz, p = 0.012; r = 0.376 at 2000 Hz, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Cowhage test showed better performance in assessing the neural sensitivity of sensitive skin in comparison with the CPT measurement. Evaluation of CPT-related sensations may add valuable information to sensitive skin assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zuo
- Department of DermatovenereologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ruoyu Wan
- Department of DermatovenereologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Radiology of West China HospitalChina Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaomei Chen
- Department of DermatovenereologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Li Li
- Department of DermatovenereologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Cosmetic Safety and Efficacy Evaluation CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Wei Hua
- Department of DermatovenereologyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Cosmetic Safety and Efficacy Evaluation CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Zuo Y, Jiang P, Wan R, Li L, Gong Q, Hua W. Characterization of Cowhage-induced Pruritus in Sensitive Skin: An Observational Laboratory Study. Acta Derm Venereol 2021; 101:adv00587. [PMID: 34724070 PMCID: PMC9455326 DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v101.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensitive skin is a prevalent syndrome, characterized by discomfort in response to mild stimuli, which impacts on quality of life. Pruritus is one of the major symptoms of sensitive skin. However, the pathomechanism of sensitive skin is insufficiently understood. As an experimental model for pruritus, the cowhage skin prick test might provide insight into the understanding of sensitive skin. This study aimed to specify the characteristics of cowhage-induced pruritus in sensitive skin. Female volunteers, 20 with sensitive skin and 20 controls, were recruited. Self-report questionnaires were distributed and the responses evaluated; moreover, alongside assessments by dermatologists, skin physiology assessments, lactic acid sting test, capsaicin test and cowhage skin challenge were performed. Pruritus in sensitive skin was perceived as more intense and longer-lasting than in normal skin, with different qualities of accompanying sensations. Cowhage skin challenge results showed moderate consistency with clinical assessments. The results suggest that cowhage skin challenge could be a new tool for the assessment of sensitive skin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Wei Hua
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China.
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Efficacy of pregabalin for the treatment of chronic pruritus of unknown origin, assessed based on electric current perception threshold. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1022. [PMID: 31974437 PMCID: PMC6978310 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57629-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is defined as itching lasting more than 6 weeks in the absence of discernible skin lesions. Pregabalin is used to treat patients with CPUO. In this study, we aimed to investigate differences in the perception threshold of itch sensation between patients with CPUO and healthy individuals and to evaluate the efficacy of pregabalin for CPUO. At baseline, week 2, and week 4 after treatment initiation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was measured to assess pruritus severity, and electric current perception threshold (CPT) was measured at 250 and 5 Hz using a NEUROMETER CPT/C stimulator. Twenty healthy individuals and 41 patients with CPUO were enrolled in this study. The patients with CPUO were categorised as those who responded to antihistamines (Antihistamine group), were not improved by antihistamines (Pregabalin group), and were not improved by antihistamines and pregabalin (Refractory group). The baseline CPT values were not significantly different between patients with CPUO and healthy control. Pruritus was improved in 7 of 10 patients in the Pregabalin group after treatment with pregabalin, showing decreased CPT at 5 Hz. The sensitive C-fibres presented a high threshold to detect itch sensation, and this sensitivity decreased in response to treatment with pregabalin.
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Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Itch in Vitiligo and Its Clinical Significance. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5617838. [PMID: 28828385 PMCID: PMC5554571 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5617838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective Vitiligo usually presented as asymptomatic depigmented macules and patches. Little is known regarding itch in vitiligo. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of itch in vitiligo patients. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on vitiligo patients. Itch character and intensity were determined through questionnaires. Evaluation was also made by dermatologists to define vitiligo subtype, body surface area, Koebner phenomenon (KP), and so on. Data were assessed by computer software. Results were considered statistically significant if p < 0.05. Results Among 402 patients, itch on vitiliginous lesion presented in 20.2%. Prevalence of itch was most common in focal vitiligo (29.4%), followed by segmental vitiligo (20.3%) and nonsegmental vitiligo (19.6%), respectively. Tingling sensation was the most common itch-related symptom (82.7%). The median itch intensity is 5 by 10-point visual analog scale. Daily activity and sleep disturbance were observed in 60.5% and 39.5% of patients who experience itch. Itch occurred approximately 3 days prior to the development of lesions in 48.1% of patients. Thirty-two patients (78.1%) with both itch and KP type IIb had active disease. Conclusions Itch in vitiligo is not uncommon. The presence of itch with KP type IIb may warrant the active vitiligo.
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Mohammad Ali BM, Hegab DS, El Saadany HM. Use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for chronic pruritus. Dermatol Ther 2015; 28:210-5. [PMID: 25973931 DOI: 10.1111/dth.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pruritus is a distressing symptom in many dermatological as well as systemic conditions, and it is sometimes very chronic and relapsing. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an inexpensive form of analgesia that could also ameliorate itching. This study aimed to evaluate TENS efficacy in patients with pruritus due to some types of chronic eczema, and in patients with chronic hepatic disease. Ten patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), 20 patients with lichen simplex chronicus (LSC), and 16 patients with chronic liver disease having chronic distressing pruritus received three sessions of TENS weekly for 12 sessions, and the effect on the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores was recorded after 2 weeks of therapy, at treatment end, and after an additional month for follow up. There was a statistically significant decline in the mean VAS score for studied groups at weeks 2 and 4 of therapy compared to baseline, but the improvement was more significant in patients with AD, and LSC (p < 0.001 for both) than in those with chronic liver disease (p < 0.01) who also showed an early re-elevation of VAS score on follow up. TENS therapy holds promise as a palliative, alternative, safe and inexpensive treatment for patients with some chronic pruritic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Doaa Salah Hegab
- Dermatology and Venereology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University
| | - Hanan Mohammad El Saadany
- Physical Medicine, Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Yuan C, Wang XM, Guichard A, Tan YM, Qian CY, Yang LJ, Humbert P. N-palmitoylethanolamine and N-acetylethanolamine are effective in asteatotic eczema: results of a randomized, double-blind, controlled study in 60 patients. Clin Interv Aging 2014; 9:1163-9. [PMID: 25071367 PMCID: PMC4111646 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s65448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asteatotic eczema (AE) is characterized by itchy, dry, rough, and scaling skin. The treatments for AE are mainly emollients, usually containing urea, lactic acid, or a lactate salt. N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) and N-acetylethanolamine (AEA) are both endogenous lipids used as novel therapeutic tools in the treatment of many skin diseases. The purpose of this study was to compare a PEA/AEA emollient with a traditional emollient in the treatment of AE. METHODS A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, comparative trial was conducted in 60 AE patients to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the two emollients. The level of skin dryness among the subjects ranged from mild to moderate. The subjects' skin barrier function and the current perception threshold were tested for 28 days by clinical scoring and bioengineering technology. RESULTS The results showed that, although some aspects were improved in both groups, the group using the emollient containing PEA/AEA presented a better skin surface change in capacitance. However, the most impressive finding was the ability of the PEA/AEA emollient to increase the 5 Hz current perception threshold to a normal level after 7 days, with a significant difference between values at baseline and after 14 days. A current perception threshold of 5 Hz was positively and significantly correlated with skin surface hydration and negatively correlated with transepidermal water loss in the PEA/AEA emollient group. CONCLUSION Compared with traditional emollients, regular application of a topical PEA/AEA emollient could improve both passive and active skin functions simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yuan
- Department of Skin and Cosmetic Research, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Min Wang
- Department of Skin and Cosmetic Research, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Alexandre Guichard
- Research and Studies Center on the Integument, Department of Dermatology, Besançon University Hospital, University of Franche-Comté, Franche-Comté, France
| | - Yi-Mei Tan
- Department of Skin and Cosmetic Research, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Yan Qian
- Department of Skin and Cosmetic Research, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Jie Yang
- Department of Skin and Cosmetic Research, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Philippe Humbert
- Research and Studies Center on the Integument, Department of Dermatology, Besançon University Hospital, University of Franche-Comté, Franche-Comté, France
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Spradley JM, Davoodi A, Gee LB, Carstens MI, Carstens E. Differences in peripheral endocannabinoid modulation of scratching behavior in facial vs. spinally-innervated skin. Neuropharmacology 2012; 63:743-9. [PMID: 22683515 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids suppress nocifensive behaviors in rodents. We presently investigated peripheral endocannabinoid modulation of itch- and pain-related behaviors elicited from facial vs. spinally-innervated skin of rats. Intradermal (id) injection of the pruritogen serotonin (5-HT) elicited significantly more hindlimb scratch bouts, and longer cumulative time scratching, when injected in the rostral back compared to the cheek. Pretreatment of skin with inhibitors of degrading enzymes for the endocannabinoids anandamide (URB597) or 2-arachidonoylglycerol (JZL184) significantly reduced scratching elicited by 5-HT in the rostral back. These effects were prevented by co-treatment with antagonists of the CB₁ (AM251) or CB₂ receptor (AM630), implicating both receptor subtypes in endocannabinoid suppression of scratching in spinally-innervated skin. Conversely, pretreatment with either enzyme inhibitor, or with AM630 alone, increased the number of scratch bouts elicited by id 5-HT injection in the cheek. Moreover, pretreatment with JZL184 also significantly increased pain-related forelimb wipes directed to the cheek following id injection of the algogen, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC; mustard oil). Thus, peripheral endocannabinoids have opposite effects on itch-related scratching behaviors in trigeminally- vs. spinally-innervated skin. These results suggest that increasing peripheral endocannabinoid levels represents a promising therapeutic approach to treat itch arising from the lower body, but caution that such treatment may not relieve, and may even exacerbate, itch and pain arising from trigeminally-innervated skin of the face or scalp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Marie Spradley
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-8519, USA
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Abstract
Scalp pruritus is a common complaint that is considered a diagnostically and therapeutically challenging situation. Scalp skin has a unique neural structure that contains densely innervated hair follicles and dermal vasculature. In spite of the recent advances in our understanding of itch pathophysiology, scalp itching has not been studied as yet. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the neurobiology of scalp and hair follicles as well as itch mediators and provide a putative mechanism for scalp itch with special emphasis on neuroanatomy and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada A Bin Saif
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Rocha WA, Facini MP, Santuzzi CH, Freitas GKF, Pereira RRR, Araujo MTM, Gonçalves WLS. Diferenças de gênero no limiar sensitivo para estimulação elétrica nervosa em adultos jovens. ACTA ORTOPEDICA BRASILEIRA 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s1413-78522011000200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJETIVO: Investigar diferenças de gênero no limiar neuronal sensitivo (LNS) para estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) entre adultos jovens, e os presumíveis efeitos da termoterapia prévia. MÉTODOS: Foram divididos por gênero, 30 estudantes jovens sadios (15 homens e 15 mulheres entre 6/11 ciclo estral) com 22±2 anos de idade. TENS foi aplicada simultaneamente nos joelhos direito e esquerdo dos sujeitos com frequência de 20 Hz e duração de pulso 230µs. A amplitude da corrente elétrica (mǺ) foi aumentada gradativamente para registro do limiar de percepção (LS) e tolerância (LT), antes/após termoterapia. O aquecimento no joelho-D foi realizado por luz infravermelha (250 W) à 0≈70 cm perpendicularmente, e o resfriamento do joelho-E por compressa de gelo, ambos realizados durante 15 minutos. A temperatura tecidual foi registrada por termometria digital. Os dados foram analisados e diferenças estabelecidas em p<0.05. RESULTADOS: A temperatura tecidual após termoterapia foi diferente (p<0.05) entre gêneros. No LS basal para TENS não houve diferenças entre gêneros, porém, a termoterapia alteou o LS em ambos os sexos. O LT basal foi menor (p<0.05) em mulheres, entretanto, após a termoterapia aumentou (p<0.05) em ambos os sexos. CONCLUSÃO: Os LNS para TENS são gênero-termo-dependentes em jovens sadios.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cintia Helena Santuzzi
- Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brasil
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Pfab F, Huss-Marp J, Gatti A, Fuqin J, Athanasiadis GI, Irnich D, Raap U, Schober W, Behrendt H, Ring J, Darsow U. Influence of acupuncture on type I hypersensitivity itch and the wheal and flare response in adults with atopic eczema - a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Allergy 2010; 65:903-10. [PMID: 20002660 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02284.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Itch is a major symptom of allergic skin disease. Acupuncture has been shown to exhibit a significant effect on histamine-induced itch in healthy volunteers. We investigated the effect of acupuncture on type I hypersensitivity itch and skin reaction in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. METHODS An allergen stimulus (house dust mite or grass pollen skin prick) was applied to 30 patients with atopic eczema before (direct effect) and after (preventive effect) two experimental approaches or control observation: acupuncture at points Quchi and Xuehai [verum acupuncture (VA), dominant side], 'placebo-point' acupuncture (PA, dominant side), no acupuncture (NA). Itch intensity was recorded on a visual analogue scale. After 10 min, wheal and flare size and skin perfusion (via LASER-Doppler) were measured at the stimulus site, and the validated Eppendorf Itch Questionnaire (EIQ) was answered. RESULTS Mean itch intensity was significantly lower in VA (35.7 +/- 6.4) compared to NA (45.9 +/- 7.8) and PA (40.4 +/- 5.8) regarding the direct effect; and significantly lower in VA (34.3 +/- 7.1) and PA (37.8 +/- 5.6) compared to NA (44.6 +/- 6.2) regarding the preventive effect. In the preventive approach, mean wheal and flare size were significantly smaller in VA (0.38 +/- 0.12 cm(2)/8.1 +/- 2.0 cm(2)) compared to PA (0.54 +/- 0.13 cm(2)/13.5 +/- 2.8 cm(2)) and NA (0.73 +/- 0.28 cm(2)/15.1 +/- 4.1 cm(2)), and mean perfusion in VA (72.4 +/- 10.7) compared to NA (84.1 +/- 10.7). Mean EIQ ratings were significantly lower in VA compared to NA and PA in the treatment approach; and significantly lower in VA and PA compared to NA in the preventive approach. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture at the correct points showed a significant reduction in type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with atopic eczema. With time the preventive point-specific effect diminished with regard to subjective itch sensation, whereas it increased in suppressing skin-prick reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pfab
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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Quatresooz P, Piérard-Franchimont C, Piérard GE. Vulnerability of reactive skin to electric current perception - a pilot study implicating mast cells and the lymphatic microvasculature. J Cosmet Dermatol 2009; 8:186-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2009.00445.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mori T, Ishida K, Mukumoto S, Yamada Y, Imokawa G, Kabashima K, Kobayashi M, Bito T, Nakamura M, Ogasawara K, Tokura Y. Comparison of skin barrier function and sensory nerve electric current perception threshold between IgE-high extrinsic and IgE-normal intrinsic types of atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 2009; 162:83-90. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09440.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ozawa M, Tsuchiyama K, Gomi R, Kurosaki F, Kawamoto Y, Aiba S. Neuroselective transcutaneous electrical stimulation reveals neuronal sensitization in atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 60:609-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.11.900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2008] [Revised: 11/26/2008] [Accepted: 11/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kim SJ, Lim SU, Won YH, An SS, Lee EY, Moon SJ, Kim J. The perception threshold measurement can be a useful tool for evaluation of sensitive skin. Int J Cosmet Sci 2008; 30:333-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00434.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Amatya B, Wennersten G, Nordlind K. Patients' perspective of pruritus in chronic plaque psoriasis: a questionnaire-based study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2008; 22:822-6. [PMID: 18422545 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.02591.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pruritus in psoriasis patients has not been regarded as a major symptom. Objective To study the pattern of pruritus in chronic plaque psoriasis. METHODS A questionnaire was sent out to 109 patients with a diagnosis of chronic plaque psoriasis, who attended our outpatient departments during the period of January 2006 to January 2007. RESULTS Out of 109 patients, 80 patients (74%) answered the questionnaire. Pruritus was found in 80% of the patients, with an intensity of 5.2 +/- 2.6 (+/-SD) using a visual analogue scale (0-10). The frequency and intensity of pruritus were higher in women. Lower leg and scalp were reported to be the most commonly affected sites. Major aggravating factors for pruritus were stress and dryness of skin. Sun, sleep and vacation could relieve pruritus. The most common antipruritic treatments used by the patients were topical steroids, topical vitamin D, emollients and ultraviolet light therapy, whereas antihistamines were used by a small number of patients. Mood, concentration and sleep were negatively affected by pruritus. CONCLUSION Pruritus is a common symptom in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Amatya
- Department of Dermatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
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