Treatment Refractory Brachioradial Pruritus Treated with Topical Amitriptyline and Ketamine

Cureus. 2019 Jul 10;11(7):e5117. doi: 10.7759/cureus.5117.

Abstract

Brachioradial pruritus is an uncommon chronic neurocutaneous condition that often presents as extreme itching, burning or tingling on the dorsolateral aspect of the arm. The lack of primary skin lesions in brachioradial pruritus in addition to its poorly established pathophysiology can often lead to both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for many physicians. Here, we present a case of brachioradial pruritus and the unique combination of topical amitriptyline and ketamine as an effective therapy, including a brief review of the literature on similar such cases.

Keywords: brachioradial pruritus; cervical root impingment; neurocutaneous dermatoses; neurocutaneous pruritus; pruritic rash; pruritus; sensory neuropathy; topical amitriptyline; topical ketamine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports