Prurigo nodularis: Pathogenesis and management

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Dec;83(6):1567-1575. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.182. Epub 2020 May 24.

Abstract

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic skin condition characterized by severely pruritic nodules that cause a profound negative impact on quality of life. The second article in this 2-part continuing medical education series focuses on reviewing the pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis and exploring management algorithms for this condition. In addition, we discuss some emerging and novel therapies for treating prurigo nodularis. The first article in this 2-part series describes the broader epidemiology, patient demographics, physical examination findings, and symptoms to aid in the timely recognition and diagnosis of prurigo nodularis.

Keywords: antipruritic; clinical features; itch; management; pathogenesis; prurigo nodularis; pruritus; therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Administration, Oral
  • Antidepressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipruritics / administration & dosage
  • Biopsy
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / metabolism
  • Chronic Disease / psychology
  • Chronic Disease / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Medical History Taking
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Neural Pathways / immunology
  • Phototherapy / methods
  • Prurigo / diagnosis
  • Prurigo / etiology*
  • Prurigo / psychology
  • Prurigo / therapy*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / innervation
  • Skin / pathology
  • Substance P / metabolism
  • Therapies, Investigational / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipruritics
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • NGFR protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Substance P
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide