Differences in Itch Characteristics Between Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis Patients: Results of a Web-based Questionnaire

Abstract

Differences in itch characteristics between different inflammatory dermatoses are not well described. The aim of this study was to assess differences in itch characteristics between patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis using a previously validated web-based questionnaire that was made available through the National Psoriasis Foundation and National Eczema Association for Science and Education websites. Participants rated frequency and intensity of itch, associated symptoms, itch descriptors, and effect of scratching. A total of 524 subjects with atopic dermatitis and 195 subjects with psoriasis completed the survey. Atopic dermatitis responders experienced more frequent and more intense itch. Associated sweating and heat sensation were also more common in atopic dermatitis. Scratching was considered pleasurable in both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis; pleasurability correlated weakly with itch intensity in atopic dermatitis. Psoriasis respondents reported higher embarrassment associated with itch. Itch sensation is experienced differently among patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Future therapeutic interventions may be developed to target these differences.

Itching in Patients with Chronic Hand Eczema: Data from the CARPE Registry

“…It is well known that atopic hand dermatitis is very frequently accompanied by itch, but so far there are no studies that specifically address this issue. A web-based questionnaire study on itch characteristics showed that atopic dermatitis responders experienced itch more frequently and more intensely when compared to subjects suffering from psoriasis [24]. In patients with occupational CHE, those with irritant contact dermatitis reported significantly less intense itching than patients with irritant-induced atopic HE [16].…”

Itch Characteristics in Five Dermatoses: Non-atopic Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, Urticaria, Psoriasis and Scabies

“…It is possible that itching sensations may be experienced differently by each patient and depending on the underlying disease. O'Neill et al (6) and Reich et al (7) have shown that itching sensations can vary between various skin diseases.…”

Pruritus und Psoriasis

“…Itch · Mediators · Psoriasis · Pruritus · Stigmatization so die Pruritusstärke [17]. Während bei AE Patienten mehr Körperareale betrof fen waren, war bei Psoriatikern häufiger der Genitalbereich betroffen, und Scham gefühle im Zusammenhang mit dem Pru ritus wurden häufiger berichtet [17].…”

“…Während bei AE Patienten mehr Körperareale betrof fen waren, war bei Psoriatikern häufiger der Genitalbereich betroffen, und Scham gefühle im Zusammenhang mit dem Pru ritus wurden häufiger berichtet [17]. Von 100 Psoriasispatienten einer pol nischen Studie hatten 80% Pruritus, wo bei diese durch eine signifikant höhe re Krankheitsaktivität im PASI (Psoria sis Area and Severity Index) verglichen mit Psoriasispatienten ohne Pruritus auf fielen [23].…”