Chronic Prurigo of Nodular Type: A Review

Acta Derm Venereol. 2018 Feb 7;98(2):173-179. doi: 10.2340/00015555-2774.

Abstract

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a subtype of chronic prurigo presenting single to multiple symmetrically distributed, hyperkeratotic and intensively itching papules and nodules. PN evolves along with chronic pruritus in the context of diverse dermatological, systemic, neurological or psychiatric conditions. Permanent scratching is possibly a major trigger of PN, although its exact pathophysiology remains unclear. Current state-of-the-art therapy for PN consists of topical steroids, capsaicin, calcineurin inhibitors, ultraviolet (UV) therapy, systemic administration of gabapentinoids, μ-opioid receptor antagonists, antidepressants or immunosuppressants. Novel treatment concepts, such as inhibitors of neurokinin-1, opioid and interleukin-31 receptors, have been developed and are currently being clinically tested.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Prurigo / diagnosis
  • Prurigo / epidemiology
  • Prurigo / physiopathology
  • Prurigo / therapy*
  • Pruritus / diagnosis
  • Pruritus / epidemiology
  • Pruritus / physiopathology
  • Pruritus / therapy*
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultraviolet Therapy* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Narcotic Antagonists