Clinical Aspects of Itch in Lichen Planus.
Lichen planus (LP) skin lesions are often accompanied by itch, but this symptom has not been thoroughly examined in LP. To better characterize itch in LP, 78 patients with LP were investigated. Itch was present in 94.9% of patients and was usually described as the most vexing symptom of LP. The mean?±?SD severity of itch according to visual analogue scale score was 6.9?±?2.8 points. Most patients experienced itching daily, pruritus episodes lasted longer than 1 min, and most often occurred in the evening. Itch was frequently described as burning and, for many patients, it was considered burdensome and annoying. The following factors most often increased the perceived severity of pruritus: sweating, high temperature, stress and hot water, while cold water and cold air often resulted in itch reduction. In conclusion, itch is the major subjective symptom of LP. Effective treatment of pruritus should be one of the main goals of LP therapy.
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wrocłav Medical University, Ul. T. Chalubinskiego 1, PL-50-368 Wrocław, Poland.
Kalina
K
Welz-Kubiak
Adam
A
Reich
Jacek C
JC
Szepietowski
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011537:Pruritus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult