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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Establishing a Mouse Model of a Pure Small Fiber Neuropathy with the Ultrapotent Agonist of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1
Published on: February 13, 2018
[Topical cannabinoid agonists. An effective new possibility for treating chronic pruritus]
S Ständer1, H W Reinhardt, T A Luger
1Abteilung für Klinische Neurodermatologie, Klinik und Poliklinik für Hautkrankheiten, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Von-Esmarchstrasse 58, 48149 Münster. sonja.staender@uni-muenster.de
Background:
Chronic, therapy-resistant pruritus often fails to respond to standard measures so new therapeutic approaches are needed. Recently, the expression of cannabinoid receptors on cutaneous sensory nerve fibers was described, so cannabinoid agonists seem a rational therapeutic option for pruritus.
Patients:
In an open application observation 22 patients with prurigo, lichen simplex and pruritus applied an emollient cream containing N-palmitoyl ethanolamine (PEA).
Results:
In 14/22 patients a good antipruritic effect could be documented. The average reduction in itch was 86.4%. The therapy was well-tolerated by all patients; neither burning burn nor contact dermatitis was observed.
Conclusions:
Topical cannabinoid agonists represent an new effective and well-tolerated therapy for refractory itching of various origins. Creams with a higher concentration may be even more effective with broader indications.
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