Chronic bilateral pruritic arm dermatitis in a 61-year-old woman
A 61-year-old woman presented to our Allergy/Immunology clinic for pruritic dermatitis of both arms since 2006. Initial symptoms included pruritus and burning dysesthesias of the upper extremities without a rash. Months later an excoriated, papular rash developed along the upper extremities.
Cold compresses provided some relief, whereas sun exposure worsened symptoms. Over the years consultations with multiple dermatologists did not elicit a diagnosis, and symptoms did not improve after numerous trials of topical corticosteroids and systemic antihistamines. The differential diagnosis
of pruritic rash is extensive; however, in the case of chronic pruritus without a primary rash other diagnoses should come to mind. Although pruritus is a hallmark of many atopic conditions, as allergists‐immunologists it is important to remember that not all pruritus is atopic in nature.
Prompt recognition and treatment of an occult process presenting primarily with pruritus will likely result in improved outcomes for the patient.
Keywords: Brachioradial pruritus; case report; dermatitis; neuropathy; papular rash; pruritus; skin biopsy; solar pruritus
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Section of Allergy and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
Publication date: 01 November 2013
- Allergy and Asthma Proceedings is a peer reviewed publication dedicated to distributing timely scientific research regarding advancements in the knowledge and practice of allergy, asthma and immunology. Its primary readership consists of allergists and pulmonologists.
The goal of the Proceedings is to publish articles with a predominantly clinical focus which directly impact quality of care for patients with allergic disease and asthma and by having the potential to directly impact the quality of patient care. AAP welcomes the submission of original works including peer-reviewed original research and clinical trial results. Additionally, as the official journal of the Eastern Allergy Conference (EAC), AAP will publish content from EAC poster sessions as well as review articles derived from EAC lectures.
Featured topics include asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, food allergies, allergic skin diseases, diagnostic techniques, allergens, and treatment modalities. Published material includes peer-reviewed original research, clinical trials and review articles.
Articles marked "F" offer free full text for personal noncommercial use only.
The journal is indexed in Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Science Citation Index Expanded, plus the National Library of Medicine's PubMed service. - Editorial Board
- Information for Authors
- Submit a Paper
- Information for Advertisers
- Reprint Requests
- Commercial level: Permission to use content
- www.JFoodAllergy.com
- Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites
Receive new issue alert- Access Key
- Free content
- Partial Free content
- New content
- Open access content
- Partial Open access content
- Subscribed content
- Partial Subscribed content
- Free trial content