Related Experiment Videos
Pruritus, pain, and small nerve fiber function in keloids: a controlled study
Siong-See Lee1, Gil Yosipovitch, Yiong-Huak Chan
1National Skin Center, Singapore.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|December 8, 2004
Summary
Itch and pain are common in keloid scars, often linked to small nerve fiber dysfunction. This suggests a potential small nerve fiber neuropathy in keloid patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Keloid scars frequently cause bothersome itch and pain, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.
- Small nerve fibers are responsible for transmitting itch and pain signals, making their function a potential area of investigation for keloid symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the nature of itch and pain experienced in keloid scars.
- To evaluate the functional status of small nerve fibers within keloid tissue.
Main Methods:
- Assessed itch and pain characteristics (location, intensity) in keloids present for at least one year.
- Investigated small nerve fiber function using tests for mechanical allodynia and alloknesis, alongside quantitative sensory testing for thermal and pain thresholds.
- Compared sensory function in keloid lesions, surrounding skin, and contralateral normal skin.
Main Results:
- 86% of patients reported itch, primarily at keloid edges; 46% experienced pain, mainly in keloid centers.
- Abnormalities in thermal sensory thresholds (warmth, cold, heat pain) were observed in keloid lesions.
- Mechanical allodynia was present in 43% of patients, while alloknesis was less common (14%).
Conclusions:
- Itch and pain are highly prevalent symptoms associated with keloid scars.
- Findings indicate altered small nerve fiber function in keloids, supporting the hypothesis of a small nerve fiber neuropathy.