Current and Emerging Therapies for Itch Management in Psoriasis

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016 Dec;17(6):617-624. doi: 10.1007/s40257-016-0213-5.

Abstract

Pruritus is a common and significant symptom among patients with psoriasis. Pruritus is often present beyond the borders of psoriatic plaques, and frequently affects the scalp and genital regions. Psoriatic itch may be severe and can profoundly affect quality of life and sleep, even in the context of mild-to-moderate disease. These features often make the treatment of psoriatic pruritus challenging. However, there are a variety of effective topical and systemic treatment modalities available to address this symptom. While there remains a need for treatments that specifically target psoriatic itch, newly licensed therapies including secukinumab, ixekizumab and apremilast have been shown to rapidly and effectively mediate itch reduction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Antipruritics / administration & dosage
  • Antipruritics / adverse effects
  • Antipruritics / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Phototherapy*
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Pruritus / therapy*
  • Psoriasis / complications
  • Psoriasis / therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipruritics
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents