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Updated: Oct 15, 2025
Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
Published on: December 20, 2011
What Do We Know about Pruritus in Very Young Infants? A Literature Review
Camille Le Pors1,2, Matthieu Talagas2,3, Claire Abasq-Thomas2,3
1Department of Neonatal Medicine, Brest University Hospital, F-29200 Brest, France.
Insights
Infants may experience pruritus (itch), despite not scratching. Validated methods are needed to assess and manage this discomfort, which can cause adverse effects in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Neuroscience
- Neonatology
Background:
- Pruritus is often presumed absent in infants due to their limited scratching behavior.
- Infants possess neurologically functional skin at birth, capable of sensing pain, suggesting potential for itch perception.
- Conditions like atopic dermatitis (AD) frequently affect infants, indicating a possible prevalence of pruritus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on infant itch perception.
- To explore methods for assessing itch-related discomfort in young infants.
- To highlight the need for diagnostic tools for infant pruritus.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar.
- Existing research on neurological itch pathways and skin development was analyzed.
- Studies on infant conditions associated with itching, like atopic dermatitis, were examined.
Main Results:
- Neurological pathways for itch are well-established and present early in development.
- Newborn skin is neurologically functional, supporting the capacity for sensory experiences like pain and potentially itch.
- Despite the lack of direct evidence, the prevalence of itchy conditions in infants suggests they may indeed experience pruritus.
Conclusions:
- Infant pruritus is a plausible phenomenon with potential for severe adverse effects.
- Current methods for assessing itch in infants are lacking and require development.
- Accurate diagnosis and management of pruritus are crucial for infant well-being.
Abstract:
In infants, pruritus is frequently considered as absent because they do not scratch themselves. Because pruritus could induce severe adverse effects in this vulnerable population, we aimed to review existing evidence on the ability of young infants to experience itch and on how to assess itch-related discomfort in this population. A literature review was performed (Pubmed, Google Scholar). Neurological itch pathways are well described. Skin development starts early during gestation. At 34 weeks of gestation, skin is almost complete while skin adaptations occur after birth. Newborn skin is neurologically functional, including the ability for young infants to feel pain. Similarities and interactions between pain and pruritus support the hypothesis that infants could feel pruritus. However, the existence of pruritus in infants has never been evidenced. Many itchy conditions can affect them, suggesting non-negligible prevalence of infant pruritus among which atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most studied disease. Studies reported a negative impact of AD on children and their families. There is no existing validated method to assess pruritus in infants, although they may feel pruritus and chronic pruritus can lead to serious adverse effects. To appropriately diagnose pruritus appears of great interest among young infants. Development of a method is required to this aim.
