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Mahmoud RH, Brooks SG, Yosipovitch G. Current and emerging drugs for the treatment of pruritus: an update of the literature. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:655-672. [PMID: 38682595 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2349193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pruritus, particularly in its chronic form, often imposes significant suffering and reductions in patients' quality of life. The pathophysiology of itch is varied depending on disease context, creating opportunities for unique drug development and multimodal therapy. AREAS COVERED The purpose of this article is to provide an update of the literature regarding current and emerging therapeutics in itch. We review the multitudes of drug targets available and corresponding drugs that have shown efficacy in clinical trials, with a particular emphasis on phase 2 and 3 trials and beyond. Broadly, these targets include therapies directed against type 2 inflammation (i.e. Th2 cytokines, JAK/STAT, lipid mediators, T-cell mediators, and other enzymes and receptors) and neural receptors and targets (i.e. PARs, TRP channels, opioid receptors, MRGPRs, GABA receptors, and cannabinoid receptors). EXPERT OPINION Therapeutics for itch are emerging at a remarkable pace, and we are entering an era with more and more specialized therapies. Increasingly, these treatments are able to relieve itch beyond their effect on inflammation by directly targeting the neurosensory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami H Mahmoud
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Sarah G Brooks
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Gil Yosipovitch
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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2
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Baka P, Birklein F. [Neuropathic pruritus-Evidence-based treatment recommendations]. DER NERVENARZT 2023; 94:136-141. [PMID: 35951052 PMCID: PMC9898430 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-022-01369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pruritus is a previously neglected symptom of a wide range of neurological diseases. Peripheral nerve or root compression syndromes, space-occupying lesions of the central nervous system, chronic inflammatory neurological diseases and polyneuropathy can cause neuropathic pruritus. Even when the identification of the underlying neurological disease is successful, a direct causal treatment is not always possible, hence an effective symptomatic treatment remains the only therapeutic option. The purpose of this review article is to present the current literature on various therapeutic agents and options in the treatment of neuropathic pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panoraia Baka
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland.
| | - Frank Birklein
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland
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3
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Weng HJ, Pham QTT, Chang CW, Tsai TF. Druggable Targets and Compounds with Both Antinociceptive and Antipruritic Effects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070892. [PMID: 35890193 PMCID: PMC9318852 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070892] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain and itch are both important manifestations of various disorders, such as herpes zoster, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Growing evidence suggests that both sensations have shared mediators, overlapping neural circuitry, and similarities in sensitization processes. In fact, pain and itch coexist in some disorders. Determining pharmaceutical agents and targets for treating pain and itch concurrently is of scientific and clinical relevance. Here we review the neurobiology of pain and itch and discuss the pharmaceutical targets as well as novel compounds effective for the concurrent treatment of these sensations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Jui Weng
- Department of Dermatology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Quoc Thao Trang Pham
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Chia-Wei Chang
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Tsen-Fang Tsai
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Ju T, Vander Does A, Yosipovitch G. Scalp dysesthesia: a neuropathic phenomenon. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:790-796. [PMID: 35122352 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Scalp dysesthesia is an abnormal sensation of the scalp in the absence of cutaneous disease. It is characterized by a burning and/or itching sensation and can be related to a variety of neurogenic or psychogenic causes. This condition is extremely bothersome and is also common- especially amongst the geriatric population, in women, in patients with diabetes mellitus and patients with psychiatric history. However, despite its prevalence in many populations, there is limited data about its causes and characteristics. Given its limited cutaneous manifestations it is also easily misdiagnosed and an underrecognized cause of scalp pruritus in the dermatological community. Therefore, education on scalp dysesthesia is paramount to helping physicians identify and provide appropriate treatment for these patients. This review focuses predominately on the neurogenic causes (with a brief review of psychogenic itch) of scalp dysesthesia and the therapeutics that have been found to be effective for this condition. Neurogenic causes of scalp dysesthesia occur with damage to the central or peripheral pathways of itch sensation, resulting in modification and heightened sensitivity of nerves that result in abnormal sensations in the absence of or out of proportion to external stimuli. A comprehensive review of etiologies is provided here, ranging from lesions to the central nervous system caused by cervical spine disease, trigeminal trophic syndrome, tumor, stroke, and multiple sclerosis, to small fiber neuropathies caused by diabetes, brow lifts, keloid and burn scarring. Recently, there have also been reports of scalp dysesthesias associated with post-infectious COVID-19. Treatment options tailored towards disease severity and different causes of disease will also be discussed. By elucidating the different mechanisms and therapeutic treatments of scalp dysesthesia, we hope to provide clinicians with the tools to identify and treat this condition as well as encourage further research into its etiologies and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ju
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - A Vander Does
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - G Yosipovitch
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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5
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Sutaria N, Adawi W, Goldberg R, Roh YS, Choi J, Kwatra SG. Itch: Pathogenesis and treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 86:17-34. [PMID: 34648873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.07.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Itch pathogenesis is broadly characterized into histaminergic and nonhistaminergic pathways and transmitted via 2 main receptor families: G protein-coupled receptors and transient receptor potential channels. In the skin, itch is primarily transmitted by unmyelinated type C and thinly myelinated type Aδ nerve fibers. Crosstalk between the immune and neural systems modulates itch transmission at the skin, spinal cord, and brain. Among the many known pruritogens, Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin-4, interleukin-13, interleukin-31, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin, are particularly important mediators that signal through shared Janus kinase pathways, representing novel targets for novel itch therapeutics. Emerging evidence has also revealed that the opioidergic system is a potent modulator of itch transmission, with increased μ-opioid activity and decreased κ-opioid activity contributing to itch pathogenesis. Optimal management of itch requires that treatment approaches be tailored to specific etiologic itch subtypes. When the etiology is unknown and patients are given a diagnosis of chronic pruritus of unknown origin, treatment should be guided by the presence of Th2 polarization, often reflected by increased blood eosinophils. In the second article of this 2-part series, we outline our current understanding of itch pathogenesis and discuss available and emerging treatments for itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishadh Sutaria
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Waleed Adawi
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rebecca Goldberg
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Youkyung S Roh
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Justin Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Sensory defunctionalization induced by 8% topical capsaicin treatment in a model of ultraviolet-B-induced cutaneous hyperalgesia. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:2873-2886. [PMID: 34302514 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Subpopulations of primary nociceptors (C- and Aδ-fibers), express the TRPV1 receptor for heat and capsaicin. During cutaneous inflammation, these afferents may become sensitized, leading to primary hyperalgesia. It is known that TRPV1+ nociceptors are involved in heat hyperalgesia; however, their involvement in mechanical hyperalgesia is unclear. This study explored the contribution of capsaicin-sensitive nociceptors in the development of mechanical and heat hyperalgesia in humans following ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation. Skin areas in 18 healthy volunteers were randomized to treatment with 8% capsaicin/vehicle patches for 24 h. After patches removal, one capsaicin-treated area and one vehicle area were irradiated with 2xMED (minimal erythema dose) of UVB. 1, 3 and 7 days post-UVB exposure, tests were performed to evaluate the development of UVB-induced cutaneous hyperalgesia: thermal detection and pain thresholds, pain sensitivity to supra-threshold heat stimuli, mechanical pain threshold and sensitivity, touch pleasantness, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), inflammatory response, pigmentation and micro-vascular reactivity. Capsaicin pre-treatment, in the UVB-irradiated area (Capsaicin + UVB area), increased heat pain thresholds (P < 0.05), and decreased supra-threshold heat pain sensitivity (P < 0.05) 1, 3 and 7 days post-UVB irradiation, while mechanical hyperalgesia resulted unchanged (P > 0.2). No effects of capsaicin were reported on touch pleasantness (P = 1), TEWL (P = 0.31), inflammatory response and pigmentation (P > 0.3) or micro-vascular reactivity (P > 0.8) in response to the UVB irradiation. 8% capsaicin ablation predominantly defunctionalizes TRPV1+-expressing cutaneous nociceptors responsible for heat pain transduction, suggesting that sensitization of these fibers is required for development of heat hyperalgesia following cutaneous UVB-induced inflammation but they are likely only partially necessary for the establishment of robust primary mechanical hyperalgesia.
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7
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Fourzali KM, Yosipovitch G. Management of Itch in the Elderly: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2019; 9:639-653. [PMID: 31549284 PMCID: PMC6828892 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-019-00326-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic itch is common in the elderly patient and may be caused by a variety of known dermatologic and non-dermatologic conditions and can have a significant effect on quality of life. Age-related changes in barrier function, immunosenescence, and neuronal changes and neuropathies are common predisposing factors to chronic itch in this age group. Certain primary dermatologic conditions are more common in the elderly and can cause chronic itch. Also, co-morbid diseases particularly of the renal, hepatobiliary, or hematologic systems, psychologic conditions, or medications may contribute to chronic itch in this population. Thus, medical workup for an elderly patient with chronic itch requires special attention to the patient's medical history, current health status, and medications. Topical treatments and emollients may be recommended for elderly patients, with consideration of specific adverse effects and alternatives. Systemic medications pose a higher risk of adverse effects and many are contraindicated in the elderly for this reason. In addition, management in the elderly may be complicated by differential pharmacokinetics of medications, the presence of co-morbid health conditions, cognitive disorders, physical limitations, and polypharmacy. New and emerging treatment modalities hold promise for use in the elderly due to these special considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M Fourzali
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, 33136, USA
| | - Gil Yosipovitch
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center, University of Miami, Miami, 33136, USA.
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Starkus J, Jansen C, Shimoda LMN, Stokes AJ, Small-Howard AL, Turner H. Diverse TRPV1 responses to cannabinoids. Channels (Austin) 2019; 13:172-191. [PMID: 31096838 PMCID: PMC6557596 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2019.1619436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid compounds are potential analgesics. Users of medicinal Cannabis report efficacy for pain control, clinical studies show that cannabis can be effective and opioid sparing in chronic pain, and some constituent cannabinoids have been shown to target nociceptive ion channels. Here, we explore and compare a suite of cannabinoids for their impact upon the physiology of TRPV1. The cannabinoids tested evoke differential responses in terms of kinetics of activation and inactivation. Cannabinoid activation of TRPV1 displays significant dependence on internal and external calcium levels. Cannabinoid activation of TRPV1 does not appear to induce the highly permeant, pore-dilated channel state seen with Capsaicin, even at high current amplitudes. Finally, we analyzed cannabinoid responses at nociceptive channels other than TRPV1 (TRPV2, TRPM8, and TRPA1), and report that cannabinoids differentially activate these channels. On the basis of response activation and kinetics, state-selectivity and receptor selectivity, it may be possible to rationally design approaches to pain using single or multiple cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Starkus
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - C. Jansen
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - L. M. N. Shimoda
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - A. J. Stokes
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - H. Turner
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Yosipovitch G, Rosen JD, Hashimoto T. Itch: From mechanism to (novel) therapeutic approaches. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 142:1375-1390. [PMID: 30409247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Itch is a common sensory experience that is prevalent in patients with inflammatory skin diseases, as well as in those with systemic and neuropathic conditions. In patients with these conditions, itch is often severe and significantly affects quality of life. Itch is encoded by 2 major neuronal pathways: histaminergic (in acute itch) and nonhistaminergic (in chronic itch). In the majority of cases, crosstalk existing between keratinocytes, the immune system, and nonhistaminergic sensory nerves is responsible for the pathophysiology of chronic itch. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the molecular, neural, and immune mechanisms of itch: beginning in the skin, proceeding to the spinal cord, and eventually ascending to the brain, where itch is processed. A growing understanding of the mechanisms of chronic itch is expanding, as is our pipeline of more targeted topical and systemic therapies. Our therapeutic armamentarium for treating chronic itch has expanded in the last 5 years, with developments of topical and systemic treatments targeting the neural and immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Yosipovitch
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center Miller School of Medicine University of Miami, Miami, Fla.
| | - Jordan Daniel Rosen
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center Miller School of Medicine University of Miami, Miami, Fla
| | - Takashi Hashimoto
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and Miami Itch Center Miller School of Medicine University of Miami, Miami, Fla
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Abstract
Acral lick dermatitis is a common, frustrating disease. It is characterized by incessant licking behavior resulting in raised, thickened, ulcerative plaques, most commonly affecting the lower extremities of dogs. Underlying primary diseases, such as allergic disorders (atopic dermatitis, food allergy, flea allergy), orthopedic or neurologic disorders, parasitic diseases (eg, demodicosis), infections (fungal, bacterial), neoplasia or psychogenic disorders (compulsive/obsessive-compulsive disorder), and perpetuating factors (especially secondary infections) drive the itch-lick cycle. Appropriately addressing the primary underlying disorder and secondary infections and addressing any possible behavioral component via behavioral modification and psychopharmacotherapeutics are vital for successful management of this disease.
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Yosipovitch G. The 8% capsaicin - a hot medicine for neuropathic itch. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018; 32:1403. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Yosipovitch
- Department of Dermatology and Itch Center Miller School of Medicine U Miami; Miami FL USA
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12
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Rosen JD, Fostini AC, Yosipovitch G. Diagnosis and Management of Neuropathic Itch. Dermatol Clin 2018; 36:213-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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13
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Lo Vecchio S, Andersen HH, Arendt-Nielsen L. The time course of brief and prolonged topical 8% capsaicin-induced desensitization in healthy volunteers evaluated by quantitative sensory testing and vasomotor imaging. Exp Brain Res 2018; 236:2231-2244. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5299-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Andersen HH, Akiyama T, Nattkemper LA, van Laarhoven A, Elberling J, Yosipovitch G, Arendt-Nielsen L. Alloknesis and hyperknesis—mechanisms, assessment methodology, and clinical implications of itch sensitization. Pain 2018; 159:1185-1197. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Andersen HH, Arendt-Nielsen L, Yosipovitch G, Elberling J. A prospective case of postherpetic itch monitored by quantitative sensory testing for 1 year while undergoing 8% topical capsaicin treatments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1097/itx.0000000000000008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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