{"id":4098,"date":"2019-03-12T02:51:15","date_gmt":"2019-03-12T02:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mybiosource.com\/learn\/?page_id=4098"},"modified":"2023-03-19T06:03:36","modified_gmt":"2023-03-19T06:03:36","slug":"prurigo","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mybiosource.com\/learn\/prurigo\/","title":{"rendered":"Prurigo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prurigo<\/span> refers to the group of skin disorders presenting intensely pruritic and often difficult to treat nodules<\/span> or papules<\/span> on the skin. One of the conditions well known is called nodular<\/span> prurigo<\/span> which are the changes that occur in the skin after it has been itched and scratched for a period of time. Other types include prurigo<\/span> simplex which is the symmetrically disturbed, dome-shaped bumps<\/span>, prurigo<\/span> pigmentosa characterized by the net-like pigmentation and nodular<\/span> prurigo<\/span> presenting as hard warty nodules<\/span>. The changes associated with prurigo<\/span> present themselves are hard and itchy lumps. Among the affected individuals, the itching can be very intense which is made worse by sweating or heat resulting in people scratching themselves to the point of bleeding. In some cases, the affected individual could also have other diseases such as HIV<\/span> infection, severe anemia<\/span>, lymphoma<\/span> or kidney disease<\/span>. The exact cause of this condition is not known and what causes the itchiness in the initial place also remains unclear. When individuals have a skin biopsy<\/span>, the nerves on the skin often appears to be thickened. This could result in sending the strong signals to the brain that the skin is itchy causing the nerves to become even more thickened. This itch-scratch cycle, therefore, increases the number of nodules<\/span> on the skin making the condition worse.<\/p>\n

What does it look like?<\/strong> Several hard bumps<\/span> darker than the surrounding skin could become apparent which are often very uncomfortable. These bumps<\/span> have a rough, thickened surface with scratch marks on top. These bumps<\/span> are usually less than 1 cm in diameter and may be firm, tender, crusty and itch. The most commonly affected parts of the body are the back, buttocks, shoulders and the chest. It generally affects individuals between 20 and 60 years of age of both the sexes and any race.<\/p>\n

Investigations and Management<\/strong> The condition is suspected based on the physical appearance and in atypical case, a skin biopsy<\/span> will be required to confirm the diagnosis. Further tests may also be required based on the results of the initial screens. The treatment of nodular<\/span> prurigo<\/span> is based on providing relief from the symptoms and to stop the itching of the skin. The treatments are;<\/p>\n