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The Other Itch That Rashes: a Clinical and Therapeutic Approach to Pruritus and Skin Picking Disorders

  • Allergic Skin Diseases (L Fonacier, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Patients with skin picking disorders (SPDs) have historically been an under recognized and under treated group. Originally classified an impulse control disorder, skin picking disorder is now considered under the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive-related disorder (OCRD) spectrum. Workup of SPD concentrates on differentiating this condition from primary skin disorders, systemic conditions associated with pruritus, and psychocutaneous syndromes. It is important to first address any underlying pruritic disorders (if present) that may be a trigger to pick the skin. First-line treatment for SPD is cognitive behavioral therapy. When necessary, pharmacologic therapy can be helpful as well.

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Compliance with Ethics Guidelines

Conflict of Interest

Sören A. Craig-Müller and Jason S. Reichenberg declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Author notes

  1. Sören A. Craig-Müller

    Present address: The Commonwealth Medical College, 624 Jefferson Ave, Scranton, PA, 18510, USA

  2. Jason S. Reichenberg

    Present address: Department of Dermatology, University of Texas at Austin, 1400 IH 35, Suite C2.470, Austin, TX, 78701, USA

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    Authors
    1. Sören A. Craig-Müller
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    2. Jason S. Reichenberg
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    Corresponding author

    Correspondence to Jason S. Reichenberg.

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    This article is part of the Topical Collection on Allergic Skin Diseases

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    Craig-Müller, S.A., Reichenberg, J.S. The Other Itch That Rashes: a Clinical and Therapeutic Approach to Pruritus and Skin Picking Disorders. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 15, 31 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-015-0532-2

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-015-0532-2

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