Pruritus in patients with chronic leg ulcers: A frequent and often neglected problem

Abstract

There is a paucity of studies regarding pruritus in patients with chronic leg ulcers. Data were collected using newly developed questionnaires for patients and physicians to evaluate pruritus in individuals with chronic leg ulcers. The results show that a total of 50 patients with chronic leg ulcers were included in this prospective study. Frequent pruritus was observed in 32.0% of the participants, while 36.0% reported occasional pruritus. The average pruritus intensity was 3.5 points (0‐10 numeric rating scale [NRS]) and was found to increase with age. Patients experiencing pruritus achieved a higher Wound‐quality of life (QoL) score (32.1) as that of patients without pruritus (25.8). Additional dermatological findings around the wounds included xerosis (26.0%), eczema (4.0%), and excoriations (2.0%). Pruritus was reported by all subjects with eczema and 84.6% of those with xerosis. The pruritus lasted significantly longer in women (average 98.4 months) vs men (average 37.5 months). Interestingly, men reported more intense pruritus than women (4.4 vs 2.8). Females reported more frequent use of skin care products than males. In conclusion, the current data show that two‐thirds of patients with chronic leg ulcers suffer from moderate intense pruritus. Therefore, pruritus is a frequent and often neglected problem that should be regularly evaluated in all patients with chronic leg ulcers and considered in future therapy concepts.

Diagnosis and treatment of venous leg ulcers: S2k Guideline of the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL) e.V.

“…Moisturizing factors, such as urea and glycerol, as well as lipophilic, lipid‐containing ointment bases on a water‐in‐oil basis should be preferred for dry, itchy skin 71 . Regular skin care improves elasticity and integrity of the skin and reduces pruritus 72 Recommendation 63 Strength Agreement To prevent skin irritation, tubular cotton bandages should be applied under phlebological compression bandages with short‐stretch bandages.↑Strong consensus (100%) …”

Diagnostik und Therapie des Ulcus cruris venosum: S2k‐Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie und Lymphologie (DGPL) e.V.

“…Bei trockener, juckender Haut sind Feuchthaltefaktoren, wie Urea und Glyzerin sowie lipophile fetthaltige Salben‐Grundlagen auf Wasser‐in‐Öl‐Basis zu bevorzugen 71 . Die regelmäßige Hautpflege verbessert deren Elastizität sowie Integrität und mindert Juckreiz 72 Empfehlung 63 Stärke Zustimmung Um Hautirritationen vorzubeugen, sollten Baumwollschlauchverbände unter phlebologischen Kompressionsverbänden mit Kurzzugbinden angelegt werden.↑Starker Konsens (100%) …”