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Does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation have an antipruritic effect in lichen planus? A randomized clinical trial
Author(s) -
Waked I.,
Ibrahim Z.,
Elgohary H. M. I.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/ced.13695
Subject(s) - itching , dermatology life quality index , medicine , visual analogue scale , antipruritic , transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation , dermatology , quality of life (healthcare) , randomized controlled trial , anesthesia , pathology , alternative medicine , nursing , psoriasis
Summary Background Lichen planus ( LP ) is a moderately prevalent inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and the oral mucosa, leading to a characteristic appearance and causing severe itching. Aim To assess the potency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ( TENS ) as an antipruritic line of treatment in patients with LP . Methods We enrolled 30 patients with LP who had a history of recurrent relapses of confined pruritus forcing them to scratch or rub the affected area intensively. Patients were treated with TENS three times per week for 4 weeks. Severity of itching was estimated by visual analogue scale ( VAS ) and Dermatology Life Quality Index ( DLQI ). Results There was a statistically significant decline in mean VAS score at weeks 2 and 4 of treatment compared with baseline ( P < 0.05, with 74% of participants having an improvement of > 50%. Significant improvement in itching intensity also resulted in better quality of life, as there was also a significant reduction in median DLQI at weeks 2 and 4 of therapy compared with baseline ( P < 0.05), with 65% of patients having an improvement of > 50% in median DLQI score. Conclusion TENS may be an alternative safe treatment for LP ‐induced itching.