Topically applied aspirin rapidly decreases histamine-induced itch.
The effect of topical aspirin and its model vehicle dichloromethane on itch experimentally induced with histamine was studied in 16 subjects, using a visual analogue scale and computerized aspirin, but not its vehicle, significantly reduced itch duration (p = 0.001) and decreased itch magnitude as measured with a visual analogue scale (p < 0.04). Histamine injection caused elevation of warmth sensation threshold (p = 10(-8)) but did not affect cold and heat pain thresholds. Aspirin and vehicle application did not affect thermal and pain thresholds during histamine-induced itch. The current data suggest that topical application of aspirin may be beneficial for the treatment of histamine-mediated itch. Its therapeutic role in the management of clinical itch remains to be determined.
Yosipovitch
G
G
Department of Dermatology, UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, USA.
Ademola
J
J
Lui
P
P
Amin
S
S
Maibach
H I
HI
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006632:Histamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D008297:Male; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced*
D006632:Histamine; D001241:Aspirin