Clinical Relevance of Skin Pain in Atopic Dermatitis
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
10-1-2020
Journal
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD
Volume
19
Issue
10
DOI
10.36849/JDD.2020.10.36849/JDD.2020.5498
Abstract
Skin pain is increasingly recognized as an impactful symptom in atopic dermatitis (AD) because of its association with patient discomfort, disease burden, and reduced quality of life. Although the nature of skin pain in AD has not been systematically studied and is therefore not well understood, patients report soreness, discomfort, and tenderness that may reflect peripheral and central pain sensitization. The high prevalence of skin pain suggests that it is not adequately addressed by current therapies for AD and may be undertreated compared with other symptoms. This review discusses the clinical relevance of skin pain with respect to its experience, pathophysiology, relationship with itch, and treatment implications. Recent studies suggest that skin pain presents as a neuropathic symptom independent from itch and the “itch-scratch cycle”, and poses a unique burden to patients. Recognition of the significant consequences of skin pain and discomfort should reinforce the need to assess and treat this symptom in patients with moderate-to-severe AD. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(10)921-926. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5498.
APA Citation
Ständer, S., Simpson, E., Guttman-Yassky, E., Thyssen, J., Kabashima, K., Ball, S., Rueda, M., DeLozier, A., & Silverberg, J. (2020). Clinical Relevance of Skin Pain in Atopic Dermatitis. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 19 (10). http://dx.doi.org/10.36849/JDD.2020.10.36849/JDD.2020.5498