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Low-Dose Naltrexone for Excoriation Disorder
Kevin Varghese1, Xiaofeng Yan2, Fei Cao3
1School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, USA.
Cureus
|April 1, 2024
Summary
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) at 4.5 mg may effectively manage Excoriation Disorder (skin-picking). This case report shows LDN improved symptoms and lesion healing, offering a potential new treatment avenue.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Excoriation Disorder (ED) involves compulsive skin picking, causing distress and physical trauma.
- Existing treatments for ED are varied, with naltrexone previously studied at higher doses (50 mg).
- The efficacy of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for ED has not been previously reported.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old female with ED, also treated for fibromyalgia, was prescribed LDN (4.5 mg) for pain management.
- The patient reported significant improvement in skin-picking compulsions and lesion healing after starting LDN.
- Discontinuation of LDN led to a worsening of skin lesions, with improvement upon resumption.
Findings:
- This case suggests LDN (4.5 mg) may be therapeutically beneficial for Excoriation Disorder.
- Observed symptom improvement and lesion healing correlated with LDN use, and worsening occurred upon discontinuation.
- This represents the first reported instance of ED improvement with LDN.
Implications:
- LDN may offer a novel, lower-dose treatment option for Excoriation Disorder.
- Further clinical trials are warranted to explore the efficacy and safety of LDN for ED.
- This case supports considering LDN as a potential therapeutic trial for patients with ED.
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