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Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors
Published on: September 27, 2019
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Effects of Stress on Itch
Rachel Shireen Golpanian1, Hei Sung Kim2, Gil Yosipovitch1
1Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
Clinical Therapeutics
|March 10, 2020
Summary
Psychological stress significantly impacts itch, creating a vicious cycle that affects quality of life. Treatments targeting stress pathways and employing therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy can help manage stress-induced itch.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Psychological stress and the nervous and immune systems significantly influence itch perception.
- A bidirectional relationship exists where stress exacerbates itch and vice versa, forming a detrimental cycle.
- This cycle can severely diminish a patient's overall quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between psychological stress and itch.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of stress-induced itch.
- To explore therapeutic strategies for managing stress-related itch.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.
- Relevant studies investigating the stress-itch connection were compiled for review.
Main Results:
- Both acute and chronic stress modulate itch in various conditions, perpetuating a vicious cycle.
- Stress-induced itch involves central and peripheral activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system.
- Key mediators include mast cells, keratinocytes, nerves, neuropeptides, and brain structures involved in emotion and itch facilitation.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological interventions targeting specific brain areas (e.g., GABA-ergic drugs, SNRIs) show potential for itch modulation.
- Non-pharmacological approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapies and holistic methods like yoga and acupuncture, offer effective stress management for itch.
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