title: Successful treatment of hydroxyethyl starch-induced pruritus with topical capsaicin.
abstract: We report a case of recalcitrant pruritus after infusion therapy with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) for sudden deafness. The diagnosis was confirmed by detection of typical HES storage vacuoles within dermal macrophages and perineural cells. Treatment with antihistamines and antipruritic agents, UVB irradiation, and neuroleptic drugs, was ineffective. Topical capsaicin (0.05%) twice daily produced excellent symptomatic relief, without side-effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Szeimies
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Stolz
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wlotzke
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Korting
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Landthaler
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003639:Hearing Loss, Sudden / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006895:Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D006895:Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives; D002211:Capsaicin