Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Pruritus Epidemiology and Quality of Life

  • Chapter
Pharmacology of Itch

Part of the book series: Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology ((HEP,volume 226))

Abstract

The burden of chronic pruritus is increasingly recognized as significant worldwide. As wet-laboratory researchers investigate the pathophysiology of chronic pruritus, epidemiologists and health services researchers are quantifying the impact of pruritus by incidence, prevalence, and quality of life measures. Outcomes researchers are also investigating factors that may predict chronic pruritus incidence and severity. Such efforts will direct resources for research, public health intervention, and clinical care.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

ESRD:

End-stage renal disease

IFSI:

International Forum for the Study of Itch

QoL:

Quality of Life

References

  • Afifi Y, Aubin F, Puzenat E, Degouy A, Aubrion D, Hassam B, Humbert P (2004) Pruritus sine materia: a prospective study of 95 patients. Rev Med Interne 25(7):490–493. doi:10.1016/j.revmed.2003.12.015

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amatya B, Wennersten G, Nordlind K (2008) Patients’ perspective of pruritus in chronic plaque psoriasis: a questionnaire-based study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 22(7):822–826. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.02591.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bakker CV, Terra JB, Pas HH, Jonkman MF (2013) Bullous pemphigoid as pruritus in the elderly: a common presentation. JAMA Dermatol 149(8):950–953. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.756

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beare JM (1976) Generalized pruritus. A study of 43 cases. Clin Exp Dermatol 1(4):343–352

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beauregard S, Gilchrest BA (1987) A survey of skin problems and skin care regimens in the elderly. Arch Dermatol 123(12):1638–1643

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bencini PL, Montagnino G, Citterio A, Graziani G, Crosti C, Ponticelli C (1985) Cutaneous abnormalities in uremic patients. Nephron 40(3):316–321

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ben-Gashir MA (2003) Relationship between quality of life and disease severity in atopic dermatitis/eczema syndrome during childhood. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 3(5):369–373. doi:10.1097/01.all.0000092608.76804.15

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bergasa NV, Mehlman JK, Jones EA (2000) Pruritus and fatigue in primary biliary cirrhosis. Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 14(4):643–655. doi:10.1053/bega.2000.0109

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berger TG, Steinhoff M (2011) Pruritus and renal failure. Semin Cutan Med Surg 30(2):99–100. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2011.04.005

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bharati A, Yesudian PD (2008) Positivity of iron studies in pruritus of unknown origin. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 22(5):617–618. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2007.02417.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Binder A, Koroschetz J, Baron R (2008) Disease mechanisms in neuropathic itch. Nat Clin Pract Neurol 4(6):329–337. doi:10.1038/ncpneuro0806

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blome C, Augustin M, Siepmann D, Phan NQ, Rustenbach SJ, Stander S (2009) Measuring patient-relevant benefits in pruritus treatment: development and validation of a specific outcomes tool. Br J Dermatol 161(5):1143–1148. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09328.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bonacini M (2000) Pruritus in patients with chronic human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C virus infections. Dig Liver Dis 32(7):621–625

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Booker S, Veledar E, Kini S, Chen S (2013) Neuroticism associated with greater quality of life impact of chronic itch [Conference Abstract]. Acta Derm Venereol 93:613

    Google Scholar 

  • Callis Duffin K, Wong B, Horn EJ, Krueger GG (2009) Psoriatic arthritis is a strong predictor of sleep interference in patients with psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 60(4):604–608. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2008.10.059

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carr CW, Veledar E, Chen SC (2013) Factors mediating the impact of chronic pruritus on quality of life. JAMA Dermatol 150:613–620

    Google Scholar 

  • Carrougher GJ, Martinez EM, McMullen KS, Fauerbach JA, Holavanahalli RK, Herndon DN, Wiechman SA, Engrav LH, Gibran NS (2013) Pruritus in adult burn survivors: postburn prevalence and risk factors associated with increased intensity. J Burn Care Res 34(1):94–101. doi:10.1097/BCR.0b013e3182644c25

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cassano N, Tessari G, Vena GA, Girolomoni G (2010) Chronic pruritus in the absence of specific skin disease: an update on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy. Am J Clin Dermatol 11(6):399–411. doi:10.2165/11317620-000000000-00000

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Center JHS (2010) Scleroderma patient stories. http://scleroderma.jhmi.edu/patients/patient-stories.html

  • Chamlin SL, Mattson CL, Frieden IJ, Williams ML, Mancini AJ, Cella D, Chren MM (2005) The price of pruritus: sleep disturbance and cosleeping in atopic dermatitis. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 159(8):745–750. doi:10.1001/archpedi.159.8.745

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chen SC (2012) Pruritus. Dermatol Clin 30(2):309–321. doi:10.1016/j.det.2011.11.012

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chen SNL, Pugliese S et al (2010) Pruritus in CTCL patients: prevalence and quality of life impact. Paper presented at the first world congress of cutaneous lymphomas, Chicago, September 25, 2010

    Google Scholar 

  • Chia SC, Bergasa NV, Kleiner DE, Goodman Z, Hoofnagle JH, Di Bisceglie AM (1998) Pruritus as a presenting symptom of chronic hepatitis C. Dig Dis Sci 43(10):2177–2183

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chren MM, Lasek RJ, Flocke SA, Zyzanski SJ (1997) Improved discriminative and evaluative capability of a refined version of Skindex, a quality-of-life instrument for patients with skin diseases. Arch Dermatol 133(11):1433–1440

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chren MM, Lasek RJ, Sahay AP, Sands LP (2001) Measurement properties of Skindex-16: a brief quality-of-life measure for patients with skin diseases. J Cutan Med Surg 5(2):105–110. doi:10.1007/s102270000010

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chularojanamontri L, Sethabutra P, Kulthanan K, Manapajon A (2011) Dermatology life quality index in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 77(6):683–687. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.86481

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Croog SH, Levine S, Testa MA, Brown B, Bulpitt CJ, Jenkins CD, Klerman GL, Williams GH (1986) The effects of antihypertensive therapy on the quality of life. N Engl J Med 314(26):1657–1664. doi:10.1056/nejm198606263142602

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dalgard F, Svensson A, Holm JO, Sundby J (2004) Self-reported skin morbidity in Oslo. Associations with sociodemographic factors among adults in a cross-sectional study. Br J Dermatol 151(2):452–457. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.06058.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dalgard F, Lien L, Dalen I (2007) Itch in the community: associations with psychosocial factors among adults. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 21(9):1215–1219. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2007.02234.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Daponte A, Ioannou M, Gioti C, Kallitsaris A, Dalekos GN, Messinis IE (2007) Primary retroperitoneal non-Hodgkin lymphoma presenting with torturous generalized pruritus in an elderly. Arch Gynecol Obstet 275(4):287–289. doi:10.1007/s00404-006-0235-y

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Darsow U, Mautner VF, Bromm B, Scharein E, Ring J (1997) The Eppendorf pruritus questionnaire. Hautarzt 48(10):730–733

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Desai NS, Poindexter GB, Monthrope YM, Bendeck SE, Swerlick RA, Chen SC (2008) A pilot quality-of-life instrument for pruritus. J Am Acad Dermatol 59(2):234–244. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2008.04.006

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Diehn F, Tefferi A (2001) Pruritus in polycythaemia vera: prevalence, laboratory correlates and management. Br J Haematol 115(3):619–621

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Duque MI, Yosipovitch G, Chan YH, Smith R, Levy P (2005) Itch, pain, and burning sensation are common symptoms in mild to moderate chronic venous insufficiency with an impact on quality of life. J Am Acad Dermatol 53(3):504–508. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2005.04.079

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Duque MI, Thevarajah S, Chan YH, Tuttle AB, Freedman BI, Yosipovitch G (2006) Uremic pruritus is associated with higher kt/V and serum calcium concentration. Clin Nephrol 66(3):184–191

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • El-Baalbaki G, Razykov I, Hudson M, Bassel M, Baron M, Thombs BD (2010) Association of pruritus with quality of life and disability in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 62(10):1489–1495. doi:10.1002/acr.20257

    Google Scholar 

  • Elman S, Hynan LS, Gabriel V, Mayo MJ (2010) The 5-D itch scale: a new measure of pruritus. Br J Dermatol 162(3):587–593. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09586.x

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elsone L, Townsend T, Mutch K, Das K, Boggild M, Nurmikko T, Jacob A (2013) Neuropathic pruritus (itch) in neuromyelitis optica. Mult Scler (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) 19(4):475–479. doi:10.1177/1352458512457720

    Google Scholar 

  • Evers AW, Lu Y, Duller P, van der Valk PG, Kraaimaat FW, van de Kerkhof PC (2005) Common burden of chronic skin diseases? Contributors to psychological distress in adults with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 152(6):1275–1281. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06565.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ferm I, Sterner M, Wallengren J (2010) Somatic and psychiatric comorbidity in patients with chronic pruritus. Acta Derm Venereol 90(4):395–400. doi:10.2340/00015555-0864

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Finlay AY, Khan GK (1994) Dermatology life quality index (DLQI)—a simple practical measure for routine clinical use. Clin Exp Dermatol 19(3):210–216

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Finlay AY, Khan GK, Luscombe DK, Salek MS (1990) Validation of sickness impact profile and psoriasis disability index in psoriasis. Br J Dermatol 123(6):751–756

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fivenson D, Arnold RJ, Kaniecki DJ, Cohen JL, Frech F, Finlay AY (2002) The effect of atopic dermatitis on total burden of illness and quality of life on adults and children in a large managed care organization. J Manag Care Pharm 8(5):333–342

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fortune DG, Richards HL, Griffiths CE (2005) Psychologic factors in psoriasis: consequences, mechanisms, and interventions. Dermatol Clin 23(4):681–694. doi:10.1016/j.det.2005.05.022

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ganesh A, Maxwell LG (2007) Pathophysiology and management of opioid-induced pruritus. Drugs 67(16):2323–2333

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gill TM, Feinstein AR (1994) A critical appraisal of the quality of quality-of-life measurements. JAMA 272(8):619–626

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Globe D, Bayliss MS, Harrison DJ (2009) The impact of itch symptoms in psoriasis: results from physician interviews and patient focus groups. Health Qual Life Outcomes 7:62. doi:10.1186/1477-7525-7-62

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldman BD, Koh HK (1994) Pruritus and malignancy. In: Bernhard JD (ed) Itch: mechanisms and management of pruritus. McGraw-Hill, New York, pp 299–319

    Google Scholar 

  • Goon AT-J, Yosipovitch G, Chan Y-H, Goh C-L (2007) Clinical characteristics of generalized idiopathic pruritus in patients from a tertiary referral center in Singapore. Int J Dermatol 46(10):1023–1026. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03152.x

    Google Scholar 

  • Gowda S, Goldblum OM, McCall WV, Feldman SR (2010) Factors affecting sleep quality in patients with psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 63(1):114–123. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.07.003

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greaves MW (1995) Chronic urticaria. N Engl J Med 332(26):1767–1772. doi:10.1056/nejm199506293322608

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta MA, Gupta AK (2004) Stressful major life events are associated with a higher frequency of cutaneous sensory symptoms: an empirical study of non-clinical subjects. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 18(5):560–565. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2004.00931.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta MA, Gupta AK, Schork NJ, Ellis CN (1994) Depression modulates pruritus perception: a study of pruritus in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Psychosom Med 56(1):36–40

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Halvorsen JA, Dalgard F, Thoresen M, Bjertness E, Lien L (2009) Itch and mental distress: a cross-sectional study among late adolescents. Acta Derm Venereol 89:39–44

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heathcote J (1997) The clinical expression of primary biliary cirrhosis. Semin Liver Dis 17(1):23–33. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1007180

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Herman LEU (1994) Itching in scars. In: Bernhard JD (ed) Itch mechanisms and management of pruritus. McGraw Hill, New York, pp 153–160

    Google Scholar 

  • Holm EA, Wulf HC, Stegmann H, Jemec GB (2006) Life quality assessment among patients with atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 154(4):719–725. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.07050.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ikoma A, Steinhoff M, Stander S, Yosipovitch G, Schmelz M (2006) The neurobiology of itch. Nat Rev Neurosci 7(7):535–547. doi:10.1038/nrn1950

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jabbour SA (2003) Cutaneous manifestations of endocrine disorders: a guide for dermatologists. Am J Clin Dermatol 4(5):315–331

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM (2005) Andrews’ diseases of the skin: clinical dermatology, 10th edn. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA

    Google Scholar 

  • Kantor GR, Lookingbill DP (1983) Generalized pruritus and systemic disease. J Am Acad Dermatol 9(3):375–382

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kini SP, DeLong LK, Veledar E, McKenzie-Brown AM, Schaufele M, Chen SC (2011) The impact of pruritus on quality of life: the skin equivalent of pain. Arch Dermatol 147(10):1153–1156. doi:10.1001/archdermatol.2011.178

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kleyn CE, Lai-Cheong JE, Bell HK (2006) Cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancy: diagnosis and management. Am J Clin Dermatol 7(2):71–84

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Koulentaki M, Ioannidou D, Stefanidou M, Maraki S, Drigiannakis I, Dimoulios P, Melono JM, Tosca A, Kouroumalis EA (2006) Dermatological manifestations in primary biliary cirrhosis patients: a case control study. Am J Gastroenterol 101(3):541–546. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2006.00423.x

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krause K, Kessler B, Weller K, Veidt J, Chen SC, Martus P, Church MK, Metz M, Maurer M (2013) German Version of ItchyQoL: Validation and Initial Clinical Findings. Acta Derm Venereol. doi:10.2340/00015555-1544

    Google Scholar 

  • Kretzmer GE, Gelkopf M, Kretzmer G, Melamed Y (2008) Idiopathic pruritus in psychiatric inpatients: an explorative study. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 30(4):344–348. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2008.03.006

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krueger G, Koo J, Lebwohl M, Menter A, Stern RS, Rolstad T (2001) The impact of psoriasis on quality of life: results of a 1998 National Psoriasis Foundation patient-membership survey. Arch Dermatol 137(3):280–284

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leader B, Carr C, Veledar E, Chen SC (2013a) What makes people itch? A cross-sectional population based study [Conference Abstract]. Acta Derm Venereol 93:615

    Google Scholar 

  • Leader B, Carr C, Veledar E, Chen SC (2013b) Racial variations in pruritus severity. [Conference Abstract]. Acta Derm Venereol 93:626

    Google Scholar 

  • Ljosaa TM, Rustoen T, Mork C, Stubhaug A, Miaskowski C, Paul SM, Wahl AK (2010) Skin pain and discomfort in psoriasis: an exploratory study of symptom prevalence and characteristics. Acta Derm Venereol 90(1):39–45. doi:10.2340/00015555-0764

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lyell A (1972) The itching patient. A review of the causes of pruritus. Scot Med J 17(10):334–337

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Majeski CJ, Johnson JA, Davison SN, Lauzon CJ (2007) Itch severity scale: a self-report instrument for the measurement of pruritus severity. Br J Dermatol 156(4):667–673. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07736.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mathur VS, Lindberg J, Germain M, Block G, Tumlin J, Smith M, Grewal M, McGuire D (2010) A longitudinal study of uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 5(8):1410–1419. doi:10.2215/cjn.00100110

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maticic M, Poljak M, Lunder T, Rener-Sitar K, Stojanovic L (2008) Lichen planus and other cutaneous manifestations in chronic hepatitis C: pre- and post-interferon-based treatment prevalence vary in a cohort of patients from low hepatitis C virus endemic area. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 22(7):779–788. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.02676.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matterne U, Strassner T, Apfelbacher CJ, Diepgen TL, Weisshaar E (2009) Measuring the prevalence of chronic itch in the general population: development and validation of a questionnaire for use in large-scale studies. Acta Derm Venereol 89(3):250–256. doi:10.2340/00015555-0641

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matterne U, Apfelbacher CJ, Loerbroks A, Schwarzer T, Buttner M, Ofenloch R, Diepgen TL, Weisshaar E (2011) Prevalence, correlates and characteristics of chronic pruritus: a population-based cross-sectional study. Acta Derm Venereol 91(6):674–679. doi:10.2340/00015555-1159

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matterne U, Apfelbacher CJ, Vogelgsang L, Loerbroks A, Weisshaar E (2013) Incidence and determinants of chronic pruritus: a population-based cohort study. Acta Derm Venereol 93:532–537. doi:10.2340/00015555-1572

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maynes M (1999) The scleroderma book: a guide for patients and families. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazeh D, Melamed Y, Cholostoy A, Aharonovitzch V, Weizman A, Yosipovitch G (2008) Itching in the psychiatric ward. Acta Derm Venereol 88(2):128–131. doi:10.2340/00015555-0406

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McMichael J (2004) Localized itching as a harbinger of breast cancer? J Fam Pract 53(7):562

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mela M, Mancuso A, Burroughs AK (2003) Review article: pruritus in cholestatic and other liver diseases. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 17(7):857–870

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Melzack R (1975) The McGill Pain Questionnaire: major properties and scoring methods. Pain 1(3):277–299

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mettang T, Pauli-Magnus C, Alscher DM (2002) Uraemic pruritus–new perspectives and insights from recent trials. Nephrol Dial Transplant 17(9):1558–1563

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Misery L, Rahhali N, Duhamel A, Taieb C (2012) Epidemiology of pruritus in France. Acta Derm Venereol 92(5):541–542. doi:10.2340/00015555-1342

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murota H, Kitaba S, Tani M, Wataya-Kaneda M, Azukizawa H, Tanemura A, Umegaki N, Terao M, Kotobuki Y, Katayama I (2010) Impact of sedative and non-sedative antihistamines on the impaired productivity and quality of life in patients with pruritic skin diseases. Allergol Int 59(4):345–354. doi:10.2332/allergolint.10-OA-0182

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy M, Carmichael AJ (2000) Renal itch. Clin Exp Dermatol 25(2):103–106

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Narita I, Iguchi S, Omori K, Gejyo F (2008) Uremic pruritus in chronic hemodialysis patients. J Nephrol 21(2):161–165

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oaklander AL, Bowsher D, Galer B, Haanpaa M, Jensen MP (2003) Herpes zoster itch: preliminary epidemiologic data. J Pain 4(6):338–343

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O'Donnell BF, Lawlor F, Simpson J, Morgan M, Greaves MW (1997) The impact of chronic urticaria on the quality of life. Br J Dermatol 136(2):197–201

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Panahi Y, Davoudi SM, Sadr SB, Naghizadeh MM, Mohammadi-Mofrad M (2008) Impact of pruritus on quality of life in sulfur mustard-exposed Iranian veterans. Int J Dermatol 47(6):557–561. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2008.03650.x

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Passe AM, Davis MD, Kalaaji AN (2008) Pruritic rash on the buttocks after a beach vacation: a case report. Cutis 82(2):133–134

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paul JC, Pieper B, Templin TN (2011) Itch: association with chronic venous disease, pain, and quality of life. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 38(1):46–54

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pauli-Magnus C, Mikus G, Alscher DM, Kirschner T, Nagel W, Gugeler N, Risler T, Berger ED, Kuhlmann U, Mettang T (2000) Naltrexone does not relieve uremic pruritus: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. J Am Soc Nephrol 11(3):514–519

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peloro TM, Miller OF 3rd, Hahn TF, Newman ED (2001) Juvenile dermatomyositis: a retrospective review of a 30-year experience. J Am Acad Dermatol 45(1):28–34. doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.113686

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pisoni RL, Wikstrom B, Elder SJ, Akizawa T, Asano Y, Keen ML, Saran R, Mendelssohn DC, Young EW, Port FK (2006) Pruritus in haemodialysis patients: International results from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS). Nephrol Dial Transplant 21(12):3495–3505. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfl461

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Polat M, Oztas P, Ilhan M, Yalcin B, Alli N (2008) Generalized pruritus: a prospective study concerning etiology. Am J Clin Dermatol 9(1):39–44

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Powell GR, Bruckner AL, Weston WL (2004) Dermatitis herpetiformis presenting as chronic urticaria. Pediatr Dermatol 21(5):564–567. doi:10.1111/j.0736-8046.2004.21509.x

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Radmanesh MSS (2001) Underlying psychopathologies of psychogenic pruritic disorders. Dermatol Psychosom 2:130–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Rajka G (1966) Investigation of patients suffering from generalized pruritus, with special references to systemic diseases. Acta Derm Venereol 46(2):190–194

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Razykov I, Levis B, Hudson M, Baron M, Thombs BD (2013) Prevalence and clinical correlates of pruritus in patients with systemic sclerosis: an updated analysis of 959 patients. Rheumatology (Oxford, England) 52(11):2056–2061. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/ket275

    Google Scholar 

  • Rea JN, Newhouse ML, Halil T (1976) Skin disease in Lambeth. A community study of prevalence and use of medical care. Br J Prev Soc Med 30(2):107–114

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reich A, Stander S, Szepietowski JC (2009) Drug-induced pruritus: a review. Acta Derm Venereol 89(3):236–244. doi:10.2340/00015555-0650

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reich A, Hrehorow E, Szepietowski JC (2010) Pruritus is an important factor negatively influencing the well-being of psoriatic patients. Acta Derm Venereol 90(3):257–263. doi:10.2340/00015555-0851

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rishe E, Azarm A, Bergasa NV (2008) Itch in primary biliary cirrhosis: a patients’ perspective. Acta Derm Venereol 88(1):34–37. doi:10.2340/00015555-0350

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Robak E, Robak T (2007) Skin lesions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 48(5):855–865. doi:10.1080/10428190601137336

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rodwell GE, Berger TG (2000) Pruritus and cutaneous inflammatory conditions in HIV disease. Clin Dermatol 18(4):479–484

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saini KS, Patnaik MM, Tefferi A (2010) Polycythemia vera-associated pruritus and its management. Eur J Clin Investig 40(9):828–834. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02334.x

    Google Scholar 

  • Schut C, Bosbach S, Gieler U, Kupfer J (2013) Personality traits, depression and itch in patients with atopic dermatitis in an experimental setting: a regression analysis. Acta Derm Venereol. doi:10.2340/00015555-1634

    Google Scholar 

  • Senturk N, Ozkaya O, Aytekin S, Bek K, Acikgoz Y, Aydin F, Bek Y, Turanli AY (2008) Characteristics of pruritus in children on peritoneal dialysis. Nephron Clin Pract 109(3):c168–172. doi:10.1159/000145461

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma N, Koranne RV, Singh RK (2001) Psychiatric morbidity in psoriasis and vitiligo: a comparative study. J Dermatol 28(8):419–423

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw TE, Currie GP, Koudelka CW, Simpson EL (2011) Eczema prevalence in the United States: data from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health. J Invest Dermatol 131(1):67–73. doi:10.1038/jid.2010.251

    PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shive M, Linos E, Berger T, Wehner M, Chren MM (2013) Itch as a patient-reported symptom in ambulatory care visits in the United States. J Am Acad Dermatol 69:550–556. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.05.029

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Siegel FP, Tauscher J, Petrides PE (2013) Aquagenic pruritus in polycythemia vera: characteristics and influence on quality of life in 441 patients. Am J Hematol 88(8):665–669. doi:10.1002/ajh.23474

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silverberg JI, Silverberg NB (2013) Association between vitiligo extent and distribution and quality-of-life impairment. JAMA Dermatol 149(2):159–164. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.927

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sommer F, Hensen P, Bockenholt B, Metze D, Luger TA, Stander S (2007) Underlying diseases and co-factors in patients with severe chronic pruritus: a 3-year retrospective study. Acta Derm Venereol 87(6):510–516. doi:10.2340/00015555-0320

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Soter N (1998) Urticaria and angioedema. In: Freedberg IMEA, Wolff K et al (eds) Dermatology in general medicine. McGraw Hill, New York, pp 1409–1419

    Google Scholar 

  • Ständer S, Weisshaar E, Mettang T, Szepietowski JC, Carstens E, Ikoma A, Bergasa NV, Gieler U, Misery L, Wallengren J, Darsow U, Streit M, Metze D, Luger TA, Greaves MW, Schmelz M, Yosipovitch G, Bernhard JD (2007) Clinical classification of itch: a position paper of the International Forum for the Study of Itch. Acta Derm Venereol 87(4):291–294. doi:10.2340/00015555-0305

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ständer S, Schafer I, Phan NQ, Blome C, Herberger K, Heigel H, Augustin M (2010) Prevalence of chronic pruritus in Germany: results of a cross-sectional study in a sample working population of 11,730. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 221(3):229–235. doi:10.1159/000319862

    Google Scholar 

  • Ständer S, Stumpf A, Osada N, Wilp S, Chatzigeorgakidis E, Pfleiderer B (2013) Gender differences in chronic pruritus: women present different morbidity, more scratch lesions and higher burden. Br J Dermatol 168(6):1273–1280. doi:10.1111/bjd.12267

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Szepietowski JC, Schwartz RA (1998) Uremic pruritus. Int J Dermatol 37(4):247–253

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Szepietowski JC, Balaskas E, Taube KM, Taberly A, Dupuy P (2011) Quality of life in patients with uraemic xerosis and pruritus. Acta Derm Venereol 91(3):313–317. doi:10.2340/00015555-1075

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Talwalkar JA, Souto E, Jorgensen RA, Lindor KD (2003) Natural history of pruritus in primary biliary cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 1(4):297–302

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tessari G, Dalle Vedove C, Loschiavo C, Tessitore N, Rugiu C, Lupo A, Girolomoni G (2009) The impact of pruritus on the quality of life of patients undergoing dialysis: a single centre cohort study. J Nephrol 22(2):241–248

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Os-Medendorp H, Eland-de Kok PC, Grypdonck M, Bruijnzeel-Koomen CA, Ros WJ (2006) Prevalence and predictors of psychosocial morbidity in patients with chronic pruritic skin diseases. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 20(7):810–817. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01647.x

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vannucchi AM, Antonioli E, Guglielmelli P, Rambaldi A, Barosi G, Marchioli R, Marfisi RM, Finazzi G, Guerini V, Fabris F, Randi ML, De Stefano V, Caberlon S, Tafuri A, Ruggeri M, Specchia G, Liso V, Rossi E, Pogliani E, Gugliotta L, Bosi A, Barbui T (2007) Clinical profile of homozygous JAK2 617 V > F mutation in patients with polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia. Blood 110(3):840–846. doi:10.1182/blood-2006-12-064287

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weisshaar E, Dalgard F (2009) Epidemiology of itch: adding to the burden of skin morbidity. Acta Derm Venereol 89(4):339–350. doi:10.2340/00015555-0662

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weisshaar E, Apfelbacher C, Jager G, Zimmermann E, Bruckner T, Diepgen TL, Gollnick H (2006) Pruritus as a leading symptom: clinical characteristics and quality of life in German and Ugandan patients. Br J Dermatol 155(5):957–964. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07430.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weisshaar E, Diepgen TL, Bruckner T, Fartasch M, Kupfer J, Lob-Corzilius T, Ring J, Scheewe S, Scheidt R, Schmid-Ott G, Schnopp C, Staab D, Szcepanski R, Werfel T, Wittenmeier M, Wahn U, Gieler U (2008) Itch intensity evaluated in the German Atopic Dermatitis Intervention Study (GADIS): correlations with quality of life, coping behaviour and SCORAD severity in 823 children. Acta Derm Venereol 88(3):234–239. doi:10.2340/00015555-0432

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weisshaar E, Ständer S, Gieler U, Matterne U, Darsow U (2011) Development of a German language questionnaire for assessing chronic pruritus (AGP-questionnaire): background and first results. Hautarzt 62(12):914–927. doi:10.1007/s00105-011-2236-4

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Welz-Kubiak K, Reich A (2013) Mediators of pruritus in lichen planus. Autoimmune Dis 2013:941431. doi:10.1155/2013/941431

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wikström B (2007) Itchy skin—a clinical problem for haemodialysis patients. Nephrol Dial Transplant 22(Suppl 5):v3–7. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfm292

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolkenstein P, Grob JJ, Bastuji-Garin S, Ruszczynski S, Roujeau JC, Revuz J, Societe Francaise de D (2003) French people and skin diseases: results of a survey using a representative sample. Arch Dermatol 139(12):1614–1619. doi:10.1001/archderm.139.12.1614, discussion 1619

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wright A, Wijeratne A, Hung T, Gao W, Whittaker S, Morris S, Scarisbrick J, Beynon T (2013) Prevalence and severity of pruritus and quality of life in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. J Pain Symptom Manag 45(1):114–119. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2012.01.012

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamamoto Y, Hayashino Y, Yamazaki S, Akiba T, Akizawa T, Asano Y, Saito A, Kurokawa K, Miyachi Y, Fukuhara S (2009) Depressive symptoms predict the future risk of severe pruritus in haemodialysis patients: Japan Dialysis outcomes and practice patterns study. Br J Dermatol 161(2):384–389. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09088.x

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yosipovitch G (2010) Chronic pruritus: a paraneoplastic sign. Dermatol Ther 23(6):590–596. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2010.01366.x

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yosipovitch G, Fleischer A (2003) Itch associated with skin disease: advances in pathophysiology and emerging therapies. Am J Clin Dermatol 4(9):617–622

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yosipovitch G, Goon A, Wee J, Chan YH, Goh CL (2000) The prevalence and clinical characteristics of pruritus among patients with extensive psoriasis. Br J Dermatol 143(5):969–973

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yosipovitch G, Zucker I, Boner G, Gafter U, Shapira Y, David M (2001) A questionnaire for the assessment of pruritus: validation in uremic patients. Acta Derm Venereol 81(2):108–111

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yosipovitch G, Ansari N, Goon A, Chan YH, Goh CL (2002a) Clinical characteristics of pruritus in chronic idiopathic urticaria. Br J Dermatol 147(1):32–36

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yosipovitch G, Goon AT, Wee J, Chan YH, Zucker I, Goh CL (2002b) Itch characteristics in Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis using a new questionnaire for the assessment of pruritus. Int J Dermatol 41(4):212–216

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Young AW Jr, Sweeney EW, David DS, Cheigh J, Hochgelerenl EL, Sakai S, Stenzel KH, Rubin AL (1973) Dermatologic evaluation of pruritus in patients on hemodialysis. N Y State J Med 73(22):2670–2674

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zachariae R, Zachariae CO, Lei U, Pedersen AF (2008) Affective and sensory dimensions of pruritus severity: associations with psychological symptoms and quality of life in psoriasis patients. Acta Derm Venereol 88(2):121–127. doi:10.2340/00015555-0371

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zachariae R, Lei U, Haedersdal M, Zachariae C (2012) Itch severity and quality of life in patients with pruritus: preliminary validity of a Danish adaptation of the itch severity scale. Acta Derm Venereol 92(5):508–514. doi:10.2340/00015555-1221

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zirwas MJ, Seraly MP (2001) Pruritus of unknown origin: a retrospective study. J Am Acad Dermatol 45(6):892–896. doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.117732

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zucker I, Yosipovitch G, David M, Gafter U, Boner G (2003) Prevalence and characterization of uremic pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis: uremic pruritus is still a major problem for patients with end-stage renal disease. J Am Acad Dermatol 49(5):842–846. doi:10.1067/s0190

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Emory University School of Medicine, 1525 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    Brittany Leader, Christopher W. Carr & Suephy C. Chen

  2. Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA

    Brittany Leader, Christopher W. Carr & Suephy C. Chen

Authors
  1. Brittany Leader
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christopher W. Carr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Suephy C. Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Suephy C. Chen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Alan Cowan

  2. Department of Dermatology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadephia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Gil Yosipovitch

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Leader, B., Carr, C.W., Chen, S.C. (2015). Pruritus Epidemiology and Quality of Life. In: Cowan, A., Yosipovitch, G. (eds) Pharmacology of Itch. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 226. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44605-8_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation