Epidemiology of Itch: Adding to the Burden of Skin Morbidity

Abstract

Itch is the most frequent symptom in dermatology and has been researched more extensively in recent years. Nevertheless, there are few true epidemiological studies on itch. The aim of this paper is to review the current state of research on the epidemiology of chronic itch in Western and non-Western populations. The electronic databases PubMed, Medline and the Cochrane Library were searched. Conference proceedings and national and international studies were included. It is difficult to compare existing studies due to differing methodology and lack of standardized measures. The symptom of itch is a challenge, not only to clinicians, but also within the structure of regional health systems, and with regards to accessibility to specialized medical doctors in non-Western countries. Published studies show that the symptom of itch is highly prevalent; it should therefore receive adequate attention from physicians and other healthcare providers, including healthcare planners.

Spinal Functions of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide, Gastrin-Releasing Peptide, and Their Cognate Receptors for Regulating Itch in Mice

“…Itch/pruritus is one of the key symptoms in patients suffering from a variety of systemic disorders, including infectious, uremic, hepatic, and hematologic diseases (Weisshaar and Dalgard, 2009;Yosipovitch and Bernhard, 2013;Hay et al, 2014). Given that itch is a significant clinical problem afflicting a large global population, there is a strong need for more research on the cause and treatment of itch.…”

The Role of Central Gastrin-Releasing Peptide and Neuromedin B Receptors in the Modulation of Scratching Behavior in Rats

“…According to a review of epidemiological data, itch is also one of key symptoms in patients suffering from a variety of systemic disorders including infectious, uremic, hepatic, and hematological diseases (Weisshaar and Dalgard, 2009). Although the causes of itch involve factors such as disease, age, and ethnicity, the symptoms of itch are highly prevalent and represent a medical burden in the global community (Weisshaar and Dalgard, 2009;Metz and Stä nder, 2010;Patel and Yosipovitch, 2010).…”

Chronic Itching Dermatosis in Children: Modern Methods of Treatment and Efficient Termination of Subjective Complaints

“…В 2009 г. E. Weisshaar и F. Dalgard привели данные о наличии зуда у 87% пациентов, страдающих псориазом, а при атопическом дерматите и хронической крапивнице этот показатель составил 100% [5].…”