Similarities between neuropathic pruritus sites and lichen simplex chronicus sites.

BACKGROUND

Localized itch of non-pruritoceptive origin is often neuropathic and may be referred to as neuropathic itch syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the results of nerve conduction studies in patients with anogenital pruritus, brachioradial pruritus and scalp dysesthesia, and compare these sites to typical sites of lichen simplex chronicus (LSC).

METHODS

The study summarizes previously published data combined with unpublished data of patients with scalp dysesthesia. Nerve conduction studies included measurements of distal sensory and motor latency, conduction velocity and F-responses.

RESULTS

A neuropathy was demonstrated in 29 of 36 patients with anogenital pruritus (80.5%), 8/14 with brachioradial pruritus (57.1%) and 4/9 with scalp dysesthesia (44.4%). The typical sites overlapped with some but not all LSC sites.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable proportion of patients with brachioradial pruritus, anogenital pruritus and scalp dysesthesia have abnormal nerve conduction findings, suggesting a neuropathic origin. The skin sites overlap with some common LSC sites, suggesting that in some cases of LSC a local neuropathy could be a possible cause.