Search

To date, little is known about the prevalence of itch in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its characteristics.In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the prevalence, intensity and characteristics of chronic pruritus in MS patients and its effect on quality-of-life and association with MS symptoms, clinical signs, comorbidities and MRI findings.MS patients presenting to an outpatient neurology clinic were asked about their current symptoms. Those who experienced chronic pruritus were administered the Standardized Itch Questionnaire and Itch Quality of Life forms. All patients' medical records were reviewed. Patients with any medical conditions associated with chronic itch were excluded.Seventy-seven total MS patients were included, and 27 (35%) reported pruritus. The average itch NRS severity was 5.42 (range 0-10). The most affected body parts were the extremities, face or scalp, and trunk. Itch was characterized as acute (74%), paroxysmal (59%) and tingling (55%). Heat (52%) was the most common aggravating factor, while cold temperatures had no effect. Compared with MS patients without itch, itch patients reported more fatigue (77% vs 44%, p = 0.004), heat sensitivity (48% vs 20%, p = 0.0177), cognitive impairment (62% vs 26%, p = 0.0029) and depression or anxiety (48% vs 16%, p = 0.0063). Additionally, itch patients had more T2 hyperintensities in the posterior cervical cord and anterior pons/ventromedial medulla (74.1% vs 46.0%, p = 0.018 and 29.6% vs 8.0%, p = 0.020, respectively). Finally, T2 hyperintensities in the anterior pons/ventromedial medulla were strongly associated with itch localized to the face or scalp (OR 11.3, 95% CI 1.6-78.6, p = 0.025).MS patients experience paroxysmal neuropathic pruritus that is most frequently localized to the extremities, face or scalp. Patients with itch were more likely to have MS-related comorbidities and demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord or brainstem.

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) represents a type of peripheral neuropathic pruritus that occurs after an episode of shingles and is characterized by localized pain, paresthesia, and itch, termed postherpetic itch (PHI); all may simultaneously exist within the same dermatomal distribution.1 Although PHI has been reported to affect up to 58% of patients with shingles,2 its exact pathophysiologic mechanism is poorly understood, and there are no proven specific treatments. Herein, we describe the case of a patient who presented with a painful and severely pruritic ulcer located on the left side of the neck that developed in the setting of PHN refractory to conventional treatments. Although many standard treatments moderately reduced the associated pain, successful treatment of the pruritus and scratching frequency was achieved only with risperidone and intranasal butorphanol, which ultimately led to the resolution of the ulcer.

Chronic pruritus (itch lasting ≥6 weeks) is a bothersome chief complaint that may present in a broad variety of diseases. Most itch-causing diagnoses fit into 1 of 5 categories (inflammatory, secondary to systemic disease, neuropathic, chronic pruritus of undetermined origin, and psychogenic itch) and this broad differential can be narrowed using key findings in the history and physical. In this article, we discuss which key findings are most pertinent for narrowing this differential and guiding further workup and treatment, as well as how to treat many itchy conditions.

Chronic pruritus carries a significant burden of disease and is associated with a negative impact on quality of life. African Americans are disproportionately burdened by chronic pruritic disorders, including but not limited to atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, inflammatory scalp dermatoses, pathologic scarring, and HIV-related dermatoses. Racial differences in skin structure and function may contribute to the pathogenesis of itch in African Americans. Itch perception and response to treatment in African Americans remain understudied and not well understood. As such, there is a large unmet need with regard to the knowledge and management of pruritus in African Americans. This review highlights notable differences in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, genetic predisposition, clinical presentation, and response to treatment for select pruritic skin conditions. By addressing itch as an unmet need in African Americans, we hope to improve patient outcomes and lessen disparities in dermatologic care.

While there is a vast array of aetiologies that may lead to chronic pruritus, recent data suggests that many of these conditions share similar interactions between keratinocytes, nerves, and the immune system. Specifically, the type 2 immune response, including Th2 T Cells and their related cytokines, has been noted to play a major role in the development of pruritus in a variety of itchy conditions. To date, atopic dermatitis is the most striking example of this pathogenesis. However, the body of literature supporting its role in many other itchy conditions, including other inflammatory, bullous, as well as systemic diseases, continues to grow. In addition, new treatments targeting this type 2 immune system continue to be developed and investigated. In the current review, we present the current body of literature supporting the role of the type 2 immune response in itchy conditions beyond atopic dermatitis as well as potential therapeutic options that target this pathway for chronic itch.

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (TPLL) is a rare form of leukemia by T lymphocytes at a post-thymic intermediate stage of development with an α/β immunophenotype. Facial involvement is common in TPLL and displays significant heterogeneity of the lesions' description and location. TPLL also contains a wide array of histology findings, cell cytology, and molecular studies. Here, we describe a TPLL patient who presented with an ill-defined erythematous patch involving the right axilla progressing to the left axilla, upper back, and face that resembled dermatomyositis. The diagnosis of TPLL was established using flow cytometry of bone marrow and peripheral blood, and histopathology of the involved skin. Dermatologists should be aware of these unique features.

INTRODUCTION While topical medications are the first line of treatment for mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, they are ineffective in individuals with diffuse disease and moderate-to-severe atopic itch. For these individuals, as well as those who do not respond to topical treatments, systemic medicines are typically essential and helpful. AREAS COVERED We conducted a review of the literature to identify established systemic therapies, novel biologic agents, and recent advances in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. The review discusses these data, which show that the majority of atopic itch medications now in development target the type 2 immune axis and brain sensitization, two main etiologies of atopic itch. We emphasize the evidence, efficacy, and side effect profiles of currently available systemic medications for atopic itch, as well as future potential for tailored therapy. EXPERT OPINION We give our professional opinion on the current state of knowledge about atopic eczema pathogenesis and the innovative targets and therapies for atopic itch that include MRGPRX2, periostin, gabaergic medicines, and JAK/STAT inhibitors. Additionally, we discuss patient populations that stand to benefit the most from targeting these molecules or utilizing these drugs, as well as those who may face a disproportionate weight of adverse effects.

Objective With the growth and popularity of the internet, physician review websites are being utilized more frequently by patients to learn about and ultimately select their provider. These sites allow patients to comment on the care they received in a public forum for others to see. With outcome and “quality” measures being used to dictate reimbursement formulas; online patient reviews may affect a physician's compensation in the near future. Therefore, it is of paramount importance for physicians to understand how best to portray themselves on social media and other internet sites. Methods In this retrospective study, we identified 145 arthroplasty surgeons via the AAHKS database. Then, surgeon data was collected from Healthgrades (HG) and Vitals (V). We identified if the surgeon had social media (SM) accounts by using google search. The number of ratings and comments, overall rating, reported wait-times and physician SM presence were analyzed with univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results 64% of surgeons had a SM presence, and younger surgeons with SM had lower distribution of wait-times. A SM presence correlated with significantly higher frequency of total ratings and comments. Both review sites showed that younger physicians with a SM presence had increased frequency of ratings and comments and a quicker office wait-times. SM presence did not impact the overall scores on either website. Conclusion Having SM presence is correlated with increased number of ratings and comments on physician review sites, possibly revealing an increased likelihood of these physicians encouraging their patients to engage with them via the internet. SM presence did not correlate with higher review scores, displaying that there are many complex factors that go into a physician score outside of SM and internet appearance. Future studies should explore patient comments on these sites to understand additional factors that may optimize a patient's experience.

This study assessed social media content to improve understanding of patient experiences with Mohs surgery. An initial search of public Instagram posts and tweets tagged with “#mohssurgery” or “@mohssurgery” identified 1692 Instagram posts and 115 tweets, of which 1390 and 94 were eliminated, respectively, given that they did not directly include a patient’s own experience. The team analyzed the posts/tweets for patient gender, timing of post prior to or after their procedure, and classified themes related to patients’ experience with Mohs. Analysis showed that 91.4% of Instagram posts and 75.0% of tweets were published post-Mohs surgery, with the majority made by women. The most common theme on Twitter was updating followers on treatment progress (30.0%) and on Instagram, the most common theme was spreading awareness of skin cancer/encouraging others to protect their skin (18.9%). Other common themes included concern of appearance during recovery process, scars after treatment, and healing progress. Social media has the ability to provide a platform for patients to impart their personal experiences with Mohs surgery performed on skin cancer lesions.