[Pruritus and prurigo]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Internal Medicine

Context:

• Prurigo encompasses acute (strophulus), subacute (prurigo simplex subacuta), and chronic (prurigo nodularis Hyde) forms, with common transitions between subacute and chronic stages.
• Lesion presentation varies: strophulus features disseminated papulovesicles on the trunk, prurigo simplex subacuta can be disseminated, acneiform, or localized to extremities, and prurigo nodularis Hyde typically affects lower extremities.

Purpose:

• To delineate the distinct clinical presentations and etiological factors across the spectrum of prurigo, from acute strophulus to chronic prurigo nodularis Hyde.
• To highlight the association between prurigo simplex subacuta and prurigo nodularis Hyde with metabolic, endocrine, and dermatological conditions, including atopic dermatitis.

Summary:

• Strophulus is linked to insect bites or gastrointestinal issues.
• Prurigo simplex subacuta and prurigo nodularis Hyde share common causes, including diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hepatic, gastric, and bowel diseases, and elevated androgene levels in women.
• The chronicity of prurigo nodularis Hyde is often exacerbated by ineffective management of associated internal diseases.

Impact:

• Understanding these associations is crucial for effective diagnosis and management of prurigo.
• Identifying underlying conditions is key to improving therapeutic outcomes and patient quality of life in chronic prurigo cases.