Itch and pain

Abstract

The discovery of a specialized neuronal pathway for itch has markedly improved our understanding of itch processing under physiological conditions. However, the complex interactions of pain and itch are only partly understood. This review focuses on the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in clinical and experimental itch conditions. There is emerging evidence that similar patterns of peripheral and central sensitization occur in chronic pain and chronic itch conditions. It will be of major interest to reveal whether the underlying mechanism for sensitization in the itch and pain pathways are also similar, as this might have major implications for therapy.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging in dermatology: The skin, the brain and the invisible

“…[62] Early fNI studies using pain models significantly contributed to the understanding of central itch processing, albeit there is increasing evidence that pain and itch are distinctively processed. [63] As the similarities and differences of itch and pain have repeatedly been reviewed, [63][64][65][66][67] this topic is not further elaborated.…”

(206) Modulation of multiple modalities of somatosensory information by peripheral kappa opioid receptors

“…Because pain generally inhibits itch (for review, see (Schmelz, 2005)), an alternative possibility is that itch might be occluded upon co-activation of KOR-cre nociceptors and pruritoceptors. In the experiment described above, activation of KORcre afferents that innervate the glabrous hind paw resulted in behaviors that are consistent with a nocifensive response (withdrawal, jumping and licking/biting behaviors).…”

Lichen simplex chronicus des Analbereiches und seine Differenzialdiagnosen

“…Diese Substanzen sensibilisieren nozizeptive und vermutlich auch juckreizvermittelnde Typ-C-Nervenfasern [4,11,12]. Durch den Circulus vitiosus aus Entzün-dung, Pruritus und Reiben wird so das Milieu von Entzündungszellen und Zytokinen der Haut verändert.…”