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Itch and Atopic Dermatitis: An Overview
Author(s) -
Wahlgren CarlFredrik
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
the journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.9
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1346-8138
pISSN - 0385-2407
DOI - 10.1111/j.1346-8138.1999.tb02090.x
Subject(s) - itching , atopic dermatitis , scratching , antipruritic , dermatology , medicine , histamine , immunology , physics , acoustics
Itching is the hallmark of atopic dermatitis, and a vicious itch‐scratch circle is easily established. Itching and scratching are important factors in the maintenance of symptoms and can have a significant impact on the sufferer's quality of life. The pathophysiology of itch in atopic dermatitis is still not understood. Unlike in urticaria, histamine is not considered to be a major pruritogen in atopic dermatitis. In fact, the peripheral pruritogens and their cellular origin(s) still remain to be identified in this disease. Various treatments are used to relieve the skin inflammation, itching, and scratching in patients with atopic dermatitis, but no specific antipruritic therapy is available. However, several nonspecific therapies can effectively break the vicious itch‐scratch circle. The use of topical corticosteroids and emollients and the elimination of individual trigger factors are still first‐line measures.