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Indian Dermatol Online J 2019 Mar-Apr;10(2):187-189

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Pramukshwami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India.

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 Apr 4. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Electronic address:

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 May 17;80(5):1395-1402. Epub 2019 Mar 17.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.

Background: Anecdotal evidence suggests that neurokinin 1 receptor antagonism reduces pruritus intensity in chronic pruritic conditions such as prurigo nodularis (PN).

Objective: This study assessed safety and efficacy of the neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist serlopitant for treatment of pruritus in PN.

Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 128 patients with chronic, treatment-refractory PN for more than 6 weeks received serlopitant, 5 mg, or placebo orally once daily for 8 weeks. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019 Mar 20. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Dermatology Department, and Université́ Paris Diderot-Paris VII, Sorbonne Paris Cité APHP, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France.

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a common and debilitating skin condition with an unmet therapeutic need since there are no currently approved therapies and off-label treatments have limited efficacy. We describe a case of generalized PN refractory to multimodal treatment regimens, effectively treated with dupilumab, an interleukin (IL)-4 receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of asthma and atopic dermatitis in adults. This article is protected by copyright. Read More

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2019 28;12:163-172. Epub 2019 Feb 28.

Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA,

Prurigo nodualris (PN) is a chronic condition with highly pruritic, hyperkeratotic papules or nodules arising in the setting of chronic pruritus. While PN may serve as a phenotypic presentation of several underlying conditions such as atopic dermatitis, chronic kidney disease-related pruritus, and neurological diseases, it represents a distinct clinical entity that may persist despite the removal of the underlying cause, if one is identified. Neuronal proliferation, eosinophils, mast cells, and small-fiber neuropathy play a role in the production of pruritus in PN, although the exact mechanism has not yet been established. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2019 Mar 2. Epub 2019 Mar 2.

Department of dermatology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki.

Acta Derm Venereol 2019 02 27. Epub 2019 Feb 27.

Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.

Prurigo nodularis is a highly pruritic and hyperplastic chronic dermatosis with unknown pathogenesis. Many pruritogenic mediators, including nerve growth factor, interleukin (IL)-31, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and endothelin-1, are implicated in chronic itch and inflammation. This study investigated the mRNA levels and immunoreactivity of the nerve growth factor, IL-31, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and endothelin axes in both lesional and perilesional skin in prurigo nodularis by using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry studies. Read More

Eur J Cancer 2019 Mar 5;110:8-10. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Ann Dermatol Venereol 2019 Feb 26;146(2):89-91. Epub 2019 Jan 26.

Service de dermatologie et centre expert sur le prurit, CHU, 2, avenue Foch, 29200 Brest, France; Laboratoire sur les interactions épithéliums-neurones (LIEN-EA4685), université de Bretagne occidentale, 29200 Brest, France. Electronic address:

Exp Ther Med 2019 Feb 5;17(2):1132-1138. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

Department of Dermatology, 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Pemphigoid nodularis (PN) is a rare clinical variant of bullous pemphigoid characterized by the presence of nodular prurigo-like lesions and pemphigoid blisters. The diagnosis is confirmed by direct immunofluorescence (DIF)/ indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and immunoserology tests. For some patients, with long mean duration of symptoms, the correct diagnosis of PN is delayed because the disease is not recognized. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2018 Sep 15;24(9). Epub 2018 Sep 15.

School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.

Scabies surrepticius is a unifying term that represents non-classical presentations of scabies mite infestation. A patient with scabies surrepticius is described: a man with scabies masquerading as prurigo nodularis. The 91-year-old man had metastatic prostate cancer and presented with diffuse pruritic nodules. Read More

J Dermatol 2019 Mar 27;46(3):177-185. Epub 2018 Dec 27.

Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.

Chronic itch with an itch-scratch vicious circle is a significant problem in a large amount of diseases. Some of these diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, Sézary syndrome, uremic pruritus, diabetes and jaundice, are common. For a very long time, chronic itch has been a thorny problem with few effective treatments. Read More

Front Med (Lausanne) 2018 30;5:333. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

Phototherapy is widely used to treat inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Repeated suberythemogenic doses of UV-light reduce inflammation in these diseases and ultimately may lead to a complete disappearance of cutaneous symptoms for weeks or months. Chronic pruritus is an important and highly distressing symptom of many of these inflammatory skin diseases. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2018 Oct;28(5):637-643

Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.

In patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), the risk of contact sensitization may be higher as the disrupted skin barrier may increase the penetration of contact allergens. Therefore, it is necessary to screen for concurrent allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in AD patients. To identify the clinical characteristics and genetic variation in AD patients with concurrent ACD. Read More

Contact Dermatitis 2019 Apr 10;80(4):251-252. Epub 2019 Jan 10.

Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Dermatological Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.

JAMA Dermatol 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine.

Importance: Dermatology is encountering increasing rates of autoimmune disease manifesting in primary skin conditions that are difficult to treat without a risk of immunosuppression. Naltrexone is an orally active opioid antagonist that influences a variety of systemic pathways, including the immune system, in low doses of 1.5 to 4. Read More

Clin Dermatol 2018 Nov - Dec;36(6):756-764. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of bipolar disorder (valproic acid, divalproex, lamotrigine, carbamazepine) and some cutaneous neuropathic pain syndromes (carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregabalin). The AEDs may be effective in the management of (1) chronic pruritus, including pruritus due systemic disease, including uremia, neuropathic pain, neuropathic pruritus, and complex cutaneous sensory syndromes, especially where central nervous system (CNS) sensitization plays a role; (2) management of emotional dysregulation and the resultant repetitive self-excoriation or other cutaneous self-injury in patients who repetitively stimulate or manipulate their integument to regulate emotions (prurigo nodularis, lichen simplex chronicus, skin picking disorder, trichotillomania); (3) management of dermatologic clinical manifestations associated with autonomic nervous system activation (hyperhidrosis, urticaria, flushing; these often occur in conjunction with psychiatric disorders with prominent autonomic activation and dysregulation, eg, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder); and (4) when certain anticonvulsants have a direct therapeutic effect (eg, in psoriasis); currently the use of AEDs for such cases is largely experimental. Gabapentin (dosage range 300-3600 mg daily) is the most widely studied AED mood stabilizer in dermatology and is especially effective in situations where CNS sensitization is a mediating factor. Read More

JAMA Dermatol 2019 Jan;155(1):118-120

Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco.

JAMA Dermatol 2018 Nov 14. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Department of Dermatology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rev Med Interne 2018 Dec 10;39(12):942-945. Epub 2018 Oct 10.

Service de Néphrologie, de dialyse et de transplantation rénale, CHU La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisie; Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisie.

Introduction: Iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma is widely reported after transplantation. Less commonly, it occurs in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy for ANCA associated vasculitis. We report here the rare association of Kaposi's sarcoma, prurigo nodularis and ANCA associated vasculitis in a hemodialysis patient. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 Feb 1;80(2):390-401. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Department of Dermatology, Preventive Medicine and Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern Medicine Multidisciplinary Eczema Center, Chicago, Illinois. Electronic address:

Background: Previous studies found conflicting results about the commonality of different atopic dermatitis (AD) signs and symptoms.

Objective: To determine the prevalences of AD characteristics and differences by region and age.

Methods: A systematic review was performed of all published studies in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, LILACS, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Taiwan Electronic Periodical Services, and CiNii that analyzed the proportion of AD characteristics. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 Mar 25;80(3):756-764. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Department of Dermatology, George Washington Medical Faculty Associates, Washington, DC; Department of Dermatology, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC. Electronic address:

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic dermatologic condition involving the development of multiple cutaneous nodules in the setting of intractable pruritus. Given emerging treatment options for this difficult-to-treat condition, a current review of therapeutics is needed. A systematic review was performed for clinical studies investigating prurigo nodularis treatment published from 1990 to present including ≥5 subjects. Read More

Indian Dermatol Online J 2018 Sep-Oct;9(5):318-321

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic, recalcitrant itchy dermatosis. It is supposed to be associated with psychological factors, but research in this area is scarce.

Objectives: To study the prevalence and determinants of psychiatric morbidity, and the phenomenology of itch in PN. Read More

Case Rep Dermatol Med 2018 13;2018:9186745. Epub 2018 Aug 13.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Herlev Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730 Herlev, Denmark.

Prurigo nodularis is a rare and chronic skin disorder with multiple, pruritic, and firm nodules. The exact pathophysiology is still unknown. Skin disorders appearing at sites of radiation can be defined as isoradiotopic. Read More

J Pharm Pharm Sci 2018 ;21(1s):222s-224s

Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

In a busy community practice, clinical skin findings can often be misinterpreted. Skin cancers can sometimes mimic rashes like psoriasis, eczema or prurigo nodularis in both appearance and symptoms. Gorlin syndrome is one such genetic syndrome, characterized by the eruption of multiple and early onset basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), which can be mistaken for a rash. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2018 Sep-Oct;93(5):671-679

Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.

Background: Current data regarding the associated factors of prurigo nodularis are still uncertain, except for atopic predisposition.

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the frequencies of xerosis and other accompanying diseases of female patients with prurigo nodularis; (2) compare the demographic, clinical and accompanying disease characteristics by grouping these patients according to whether they have associated xerosis (who were subsequently subgrouped as atopic or non-atopic) or not.

Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, 80 females with PN were categorized according to the accompanying diseases (dermatological, systemic, neurological, psychogenic, mixed, or undetermined origin). Read More

Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2017 Jul-Dec;38(2):113-120

Department of Dermatology and S.T.D., Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India.

Various inflammatory dermatoses have been described in association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. These either present in the usual way or in varied atypical presentations. This article gives a brief review about the etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation of the common inflammatory dermatoses associated with HIV such as psoriasis, reactive arthritis, seborrheic dermatitis, eosinophilic folliculitis, pruritic papular eruption, photosensitivity disorders prurigo nodularis, atopic dermatitis, and ichthyosis. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2018 Sep;79(3):457-463.e5

Center for Chronic Pruritus, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany.

Background: Chronic pruritus is a multifactorial, challenging symptom of global relevance.

Objective: The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Network on Assessment of Severity and Burden of Pruritus (PruNet) investigation aimed to analyze the severity and humanistic burden of chronic pruritus in patients suffering from inflammatory dermatoses across Europe.

Methods: Prospectively collected routine data on 552 patients (with atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, psoriasis vulgaris, lichen planus, or mycosis fungoides [pruritus numeric rating scale score ≥3]) from 9 European centers (in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate variance analyses of various itch characteristics and quality of life (as measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index and the ItchyQoL). Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2018 10 6;79(4):636-637. Epub 2018 Aug 6.

Division of Dermatology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Marlton, New Jersey. Electronic address:

Pediatr Dermatol 2018 Sep 26;35(5):560-565. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

The most common causes of chronic nocturnal itching in children are atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, with lichen simplex chronicus and prurigo nodularis contributing to lesser degrees. Despite the prevalence of nocturnal itching, its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. The most troubling consequence of itching at night is poor quality of sleep. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2018 Jul 16;36(3):325-334. Epub 2018 Apr 16.

Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Campus Box 8123, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA. Electronic address:

Chronic pruritus, or itch lasting greater than 6 weeks, is an increasingly common and debilitating medical problem. Recent studies have unveiled previously unrecognized neuroimmune axes whereby inflammatory cytokines act directly on the nervous system to promote itch. Thus, the emergence of newer targeted biologic therapies has generated the possibility of novel treatment strategies for chronic itch disorders. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2018 Jul 20;36(3):189-197. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

Department of Dermatology, Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Von- Esmarch-Strasse 58, Münster DE-48149, Germany.

Prurigo nodularis occurs with chronic pruritus and the presence of single to multiple symmetrically distributed, hyperkeratotic, and intensively itching nodules. Diverse dermatologic, systemic, neurologic, or psychiatric conditions can lead to prurigo nodularis. Structural analysis demonstrated a reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density and increased dermal levels of nerve growth factor and neuropeptides such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Read More

Case Rep Dermatol 2018 May-Aug;10(2):122-126. Epub 2018 May 17.

Department of Dermatology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.

Background: Prurigo nodularis is a condition of unknown origin defined by papulonodular eruption and intense pruritus. Hodgkin lymphoma often presents nonspecific initial symptoms. An association between systemic malignancy and cutaneous manifestations has long been documented. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018 Dec 1;32(12):2224-2229. Epub 2018 Jul 1.

Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.

Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic skin condition characterized by intensely pruritic, hyperkeratotic papulonodular lesions that dramatically impairs patients' quality of life. Management of the condition is challenging, and there is no approved therapy in the United States or in Europe.

Objective: The key aim of this survey was to examine current perceptions of PN diagnosis and management among members of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV). Read More

Am J Clin Hypn 2018 Jul;61(1):34-44

a University of South Florida , Tampa , FL, USA.

Mindfulness-based cognitive hypnotherapy integrates mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and hypnotherapy to improve physical, emotional, mental, and/or spiritual aspects of skin disorders. Meditation, including mindfulness meditation, and hypnosis both utilize trance phenomena to help produce focalization and specific improvements in skin disorders through psycho-neuro-endocrine-immunologic mechanisms. Hypnosis, cognitive hypnotherapy, focused meditation, and mindfulness meditation are discussed with respect to improving various skin disorders including acne, acne excoriée, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, dyshidrotic dermatitis, erythema nodosum, erythromelalgia, furuncles, glossodynia, herpes simplex, hyperhidrosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, lichen planus, neurodermatitis, nummular dermatitis, postherpetic neuralgia, prurigo nodularis, pruritus, psoriasis, rosacea, trichotillomania, urticaria, verruca vulgaris, and vitiligo. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2018 Oct 4;79(4):714-719.e3. Epub 2018 May 4.

Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland. Electronic address:

Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a poorly understood, understudied pruritic dermatosis that reduces quality of life.

Objective: To characterize the demographics and comorbidities associated with PN.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients 18 years and older who were seen at the Johns Hopkins Health System between December 6, 2012, and December 6, 2017. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2018 Mar 15;24(3). Epub 2018 Mar 15.

Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD.

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a highly pruritic skin condition that is caused by chronic scratching. It occurs in patients with chronic itch and is characterized by multiple hyperkeratotic papules and nodules. The pathogenesis of PN is unclear, but involves a complex interplay of numerous pathways including neurogenic and inflammatory factors. Read More

Indian J Dermatol 2018 Jan-Feb;63(1):41-46

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, S. P. Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India.

Background: The diagnosis of cutaneous adversities in the cancer patient is especially difficult, given the complexity of their illness and combination protocols used for the treatment. The present study was undertaken to know the spectrum of cutaneous adversities in patients undergoing chemotherapy and the drug(s) most commonly associated with it.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1000 patients with malignancies under chemotherapy in the oncology ward and outpatient department were screened in this observational study from January 2013 to February 2015. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2018 Feb;28(1):71-77

Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: The stratum corneum is an almost impermeable barrier. Recently, microneedles have been used to increase drug delivery passing the stratum corneum by incorporating the drug within the microneedle or by coating the surface of the microneedle with the drug.

Objective: This study was performed to investigate whether applying a biodegradable microneedle patch after topical steroid application increases penetration of the steroid in vitro, as well as treatment efficacy in patients with prurigo nodularis. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2018 Jun 10;78(6):1209-1211. Epub 2018 Feb 10.

The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York. Electronic address:

J Drugs Dermatol 2017 Nov;16(11):1156-1158

Atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis result from complex interactions between the skin, the immune system, and the external environment. The pruritus associated with these conditions greatly impacts patients' quality of life and lacks uniformly effective treatment. A 57-year-old patient presented with severe atopic dermatitis and subsequent prurigo nodularis refractory to numerous standard therapies. Read More

Acta Derm Venereol 2018 Feb;98(2):173-179

Center for Chronic Pruritus, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Von- Esmarch-Str. 58, DE-48149 Münster, Germany.

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a subtype of chronic prurigo presenting single to multiple symmetrically distributed, hyperkeratotic and intensively itching papules and nodules. PN evolves along with chronic pruritus in the context of diverse dermatological, systemic, neurological or psychiatric conditions. Permanent scratching is possibly a major trigger of PN, although its exact pathophysiology remains unclear. Read More

J Dermatol 2018 Feb 23;45(2):211-215. Epub 2017 Oct 23.

Department of Dermatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Herein, we report a unique case of generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma (GEKA) in a 47-year-old Chinese man presenting with extensive pruritic papules and nodules accompanied by oral lesions. He also had a 2-year history of vitiligo and long-term experience of working outdoors. Biopsies were consistent with keratoacanthoma . Read More

Itch (Phila) 2017 Sep 2;2(2):e6. Epub 2017 Oct 2.

Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus.

Patient care for those affected by chronic pruritus is remarkably complex due to its high prevalence and multifactorial nature. It requires a comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical history, extensive diagnostic procedures, and long treatment duration, including management of possible accompanying disorders such as sleep disturbances and mental distress. It is important to prioritize patient's needs when developing a therapeutic treatment plan. Read More

Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2017 Jul 24;5(4):556-557. Epub 2017 Jul 24.

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical Institute of Ministry of Interior, and Onkoderma Polyclinic for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Sofia, Bulgaria.

A 48 years old female patient had been suffering from the lesions presented for four years. They have started as small, pruritic patches which had been mechanically irritated and grew up in time. The patient had no associated comorbidities or allergies, and she was not under any medication. Read More

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 2017 APR-JUN;31(2 Suppl. 2):57-77

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative, flagellate, microaerophilic bacterium identified for the first time about 30 years ago, as a pathogenic factor of gastritis and peptic ulcer. Soon after, it was linked to several gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal diseases (hematological, cardiovascular, neurological, pulmonary and ocular diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus, growth retardation and extragastric MALT lymphoma). Association and possible cause-effect correlation with H. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2017 Oct 9;42(7):833-835. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Department of Dermatology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.