Pruritus in different variants of psoriasis

[Fred]

Looking at pruritis in different clinical variants of psoriasis.

Quote:

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Background:
Pruritus, which is the most frequent subjective symptom of psoriasis, may cause significant discomfort, embarrassment, and even interfere with patients normal daily activities. However, the perception of itch in various psoriasis subtypes remains unknown.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate and to characterize pruritus in different clinical variants of psoriasis.

Methods:
This cross-sectional, binational, multicentre study included 295 subjects suffering from 9 different clinical subtypes of psoriasis: large-plaque psoriasis (n=45), nummular psoriasis (n=32), guttate psoriasis (n=31), scalp psoriasis (n=32), inverse psoriasis (n=23), erythrodermic psoriasis (n=33), palmoplantar psoriasis vulgaris (n=33), palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (n=42) and generalized pustular psoriasis (n=23). Measures included sociodemographic and anthropometric data, detailed pruritus characteristics including but not limited to pruritus intensity, frequency, and extend, as well as psoriasis severity.

Results:
The lifetime prevalence of pruritus in each clinical variant of psoriasis was similar and quite high, reaching up to 100% in some disease subtypes (i.e. nummular psoriasis, scalp psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis). Psoriasis severity correlated with pruritus intensity in scalp psoriasis, palmoplantar pustular psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis. The age, duration of psoriasis and BMI did not interfere with the intensity of itch.

Conclusions:
Pruritus is highly prevalent in each clinical variant of psoriasis. However, the sensation of itch is very individual, difficult to universally describe even in the same subtype.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

*Early view funding unknown

[Forest Walker]

It's an itchy thing, this.  While it seems as though the conclusion that it's individual and difficult to describe would be obvious, it's good to see research on the topic.  

It's interesting to think of how the itching is worse in some instances, such as during stress or in idle moments where it's mainly habit to scratch.  And sometimes, scratching that itch feels good and relieving.

[Turnedlight]

It does annoy me when people say not to scratch - it’ll make it worse. Completely disagree! Well, with regards to psoriasis anyway..