Pruritus Epidemiology and Quality of Life

Abstract

The burden of chronic pruritus is increasingly recognized as significant worldwide. As wet-laboratory researchers investigate the pathophysiology of chronic pruritus, epidemiologists and health services researchers are quantifying the impact of pruritus by incidence, prevalence, and quality of life measures. Outcomes researchers are also investigating factors that may predict chronic pruritus incidence and severity. Such efforts will direct resources for research, public health intervention, and clinical care.

Prurigo nodularis: a physician survey to evaluate current perceptions of its classification, clinical experience and unmet need

“…In particular, respondents indicated that the most urgent topics in PN are the need for consensus regarding the classification and terminology of the condition, and new therapies. 17 For many patients with PN, the most important symptom to treat is often pruritus because of its impact on quality of life; 16,[18][19][20][21][22][23] however, pruritus is difficult to treat. Recently, the EADV published an expert consensus document on the definition, classification and terminology of chronic prurigo.…”

“…Sleep disturbance has been demonstrated to have serious consequences, including poor health, missed workdays and doctor visits owing to other skin conditions. 17 For many patients with PN, the most important symptom to treat is often pruritus because of its impact on quality of life; 16,[18][19][20][21][22][23] however, pruritus is difficult to treat. 4,8,9 Treatment for PN is commonly standardized, and the goal of therapy is often to manage pruritus.…”

Functional magnetic resonance imaging in dermatology: The skin, the brain and the invisible

“…[70] Epidemiological studies have emphasised the high global incidence and economic costs of itch. [71] The impact of chronic itch, duration >6 weeks, is comparable to that of chronic pain. [68] Itch occurs on diseased or non-diseased skin, and underlying diseases can be dermatological, systemic (eg chronic kidney disease, cholestasis), neurological or psychiatric, drug reactions or diseases of pregnancy.…”

Antipruritic effects of transient heat stimulation on histaminergic and nonhistaminergic itch

“…Chronic itch severely impedes patients’ quality of life and affects an estimated 8–16% of the Western population. This places chronic itch among the most burdensome aspects of dermatological diseases . Therefore, effort is needed to find new potential targets to be exploited in the development of new therapies.…”

“…This places chronic itch among the most burdensome aspects of dermatological diseases. [1][2][3][4] Therefore, effort is needed to find new potential targets to be exploited in the development of new therapies. The urge to scratch aims at removing the source of itch, like insects, plants or other forms of irritation, at the same time acting as a counterstimulus able to reduce the itch sensation.…”