Inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Local inflammatory mechanisms may induce pruritus in many dermatoses. Mild to severe pruritus accompanies numerous inflammatory skin disorders including, but not limited to, atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema, psoriasis and lichen planus. The frequency of pruritus in skin diseases may vary depending on the entity and studied population. In AD pruritus occurs as a main diagnostic symptom. In other dermatoses such as allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, nummular or dyshydrotic eczema, itching is a frequent but not obligatory symptom. 1 Among inflammatory diseases itch has been studied in detail in AD and psoriasis. © 2010 Springer-Verlag London.