Clinical characteristics of pruritus in chronic idiopathic urticaria

Authors: Yosipovitch G.¹; Ansari N.¹; Goon A.¹; Chan Y.H.²; Goh C.L.¹

Source: British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 147, Number 1, July 2002 , pp. 32-36(5)

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Abstract:

Summary

Background Although pruritus is a predominant symptom of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) its clinical characteristics have not been explored.

Objectives To characterize the clinical pattern and sensory and affective dimensions of the itch experience, utilizing a comprehensive itch questionnaire.

Methods A structured questionnaire based on the McGill pain questionnaire was used in 100 patients suffering from CIU randomly recruited from a tertiary referral centre.

Results All 100 patients recruited with CIU completed the questionnaire. In 68 patients pruritus appeared on a daily basis. Most patients experienced their pruritus at night and in the evening (n = 83), and 62 reported difficulty in falling asleep. Pruritus involved all body areas, but mostly the arms (n = 86), back (n = 78) and legs (n = 75). Accompanying symptoms were a sensation of heat in 45 patients and sweating in 15. Most patients (n = 98) were prescribed antihistamines (mainly sedating), of whom 34 experienced long-term relief. The sensation of itch was reported to be stinging (n = 27), tickling (n = 25) and burning (n = 23). Seventy-six patients found their pruritus bothersome, 66 annoying and 14 complained of depression. The itch intensity at its peak was more than double that felt after a mosquito bite. The worst itch scores of those who felt depressed were significantly higher than of those who did not (P = 0·018). There was a positive correlation between the sensory and affective scores during worst itch (P < 0·001).

Conclusions This study describes the itch experienced in CIU, highlighting sensory and affective dimensions. The itch questionnaire was found to be a valuable tool for evaluating pruritus in CIU and its unique features.

Keywords: chronic idiopathic urticaria; itch questionnaire

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04758.x

Affiliations: 1: National Skin Center, 1 Mandalay Road, 308205 Singapore 2: Clinical Trials and Epidemiology Research Unit, National Medical Research Council, Ministry of Health, Singapore

Publication date: 2002-07-01

Clinical characteristics of pruritus in chronic idiopathic urticaria

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