AP occurs frequently with polycythemia vera. Other underlying diseases are rare; in over half of the patients no cause can be detected. In 25 % lactose intolerance is present which possibly acts as co-factor. Demographic parameters (age, gender) allow estimation of the possible underlying disease in AP. Pruritus characteristics are similar in all groups and not helpful in determining the origin of AP.

Treatment of dry and pruritic skin with a lotion containing the TRPM8 agonist combination ameliorates severe pruritus and represents a possible novel treatment for the burdensome symptom. The most suitable treatment concentration needs still to be identified. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00669708.

Pruritus characteristics of NP show a wide variance without a clear profile that is useful for clinical diagnosis. NP can occur premonitorily, and, if of long duration and with coexistent metabolic diseases, can develop into prurigo.

No abstract