Prurigo nodularis comparative treatment outcome in patients attending a tertiary hospital in northern Tanzania

Abstract

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic, benign neurodermatitis of unclear etiology characterized by excoriated, intensely pruritic nodules secondary to an intense itch-scratch cycle. PN treatment is still a challenge, and it is frustrating for both dermatologists and patients. The evidence for the effectiveness of a readily available treatment like cryotherapy is limited. To compare the efficacy of cryotherapy

Non-Systemic Medication for the Treatment of Prurigo Nodularis: A Systematic Review

“…8 In a prospective study on cryotherapy, all 11 patients enrolled reported 75% to 100% clearance of pruritic nodules after treatment. 9 A prospective study on vitamin D analogue tacalcitol showed improvement of symptoms in 3 out of 4 patients. 10 Another prospective study on vitamin D analogue calcipotriol showed a significant reduction in the number and size of lesions in 10 patients after 8 weeks as compared to betamethasone ointment.…”

“…10,11 Studies on cryotherapy supported its use as PN treatment with results showing resolution of symptoms in all patients enrolled. 9,26,27…”

“…Notably, cryotherapy has been shown to exhibit an immediate blistering response as well as depigmentation after treatment. 9 Depigmentation is especially clinically significant as it can be disfiguring, particularly for patients with richly pigmented skin.…”

“…10,11 Studies on cryotherapy supported its use as PN treatment with results showing resolution of symptoms in all patients enrolled. 9,26,27 Several challenges are presented when considering PN treatment options. For instance, adherence to topical medications may be a barrier to the effective use for the treatment of PN.…”

Exploring and expanding frontiers in dermatology: Indigenous African dermatology

“…2 In Tanzania, however, prurigo nodularis is reported to be treated by conventional means. 3 Their study presented work done in their center using conventional medicine and did not examine what, if any therapies are used by those that may have no access to such therapies. As a result, no information on traditional therapies for this disorder was reported.…”