Itch Severity Scale: a self-report instrument for the measurement of pruritus severity

Abstract

Based on this preliminary evidence of validity and reliability, this new seven-item ISS may be useful in comparing pruritus severity among different disease populations or in assessing pruritus treatment effectiveness.

Pruritus Epidemiology and Quality of Life

“…Studies using the questionnaire include studies of psoriasis patients (Yosipovitch et al 2000), chronic idiopathic urticaria (Yosipovitch et al 2002a), and atopic dermatitis (Yosipovitch et al 2002b). Majeski et al (2007) modified the Short-Form Itch Questionnaire into the Itch Severity Scale, which also measures the severity and patient burden of pruritus but, unlike the former, does not require interviewer administration.…”

A prospective study on the role of gabapentin in post-burn pruritus

“…What percentage of your itching has improved after starting Gabapentin tablets? [18] tionnaire for this particular study, and also the elderly, giving benefit of hepatic and renal alterations with age, despite the excellent safety profile claimed for gabapentin). The period from 6 weeks to 2 years was intended to merely involve the healing scar still in the maturing phase, when itch is likelier.…”

“…An itch score questionnaire, the Itch Severity Scale (ISS) [18] (Fig. 1), was given to them before starting the therapy, and the same questions were asked at weekly intervals for 3 months and thereafter, fortnightly for another 3 months by telephonic interview.…”

“…A French Canadian version of the 'Questionnaire for Pruritus Assessment' has been recently validated in the evaluation of 'chronic' itch in burn survivors [38]. A recent entrant into the armamentarium that has been tested for construct validity and reliability is the new seven-item ISS [18]. The ISS is a self-report questionnaire to measure pruritus severity, capable of quantification and may be useful in comparing pruritus severity among different disease populations or in assessing pruritus treatment effectiveness.…”

Pruritus intensity assessment: challenge for clinicians

“…A number of instruments have been developed to date [18,[22][23][24][25][26][27]. The major advantage of questionnaires is the possibility of assessing different characteristics of pruritus, including both physical as well as mental aspects of itching.…”