PRURIGO NODULARIS

Overview and Facts

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin ailment characterized by very itchy, stiff, and frequently painful nodules on the skin. PN usually begins with very itchy skin, which may be widespread or localized. The itch is so strong that you can’t stop scratching and rubbing, which produces even more inflammation and irritation. After around six weeks, when the scratching has occurred, hard bumps form.

Furthermore, prurigo nodularis is neither inherited nor communicable. It affects women and men equally, while statistics on how many individuals are afflicted by the illness are lacking. It is frequently related to underlying problems that produce itchy skin, like insect bites or atopic dermatitis. It may also impact persons who have an underlying condition.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

What you can feel when you have prurigo nodularis is listed below.

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Scars, light spots, or dark spots appear as the bumps heal
  • Nodules on the skin, some with scabs
  • Growth of nodules
  • Stinging or burning skin
  • Itchy skin

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Dermatologists may typically identify prurigo nodularis by inspecting skin lumps, paying special attention to those that could be touched or scratched.

  • A dermatologist might require a skin biopsy to verify the diagnosis when you have more than one skin problem.
  • When your doctor identifies prurigo nodularis but cannot determine the underlying cause, they might conduct bloodwork and other tests to examine thyroid, kidney, and liver function and screen for parasite infection, hepatitis C, and HIV.

TREATMENT

Although there is no cure for prurigo nodularis, numerous therapies may assist in stopping the cycle of itch-scratch-itch. These include the following:

  • Corticosteroids: Steroid lotions or ointments may assist in decreasing irritation and inflammation when there are just a few nodules.
  • Antihistamines: These drugs may aid with itching.
  • Phototherapy: UV light exposure may assist in relieving irritation and inflammation.
  • Cryosurgery: If previous therapies do not relieve discomfort and itch, this procedure, which utilizes severe cold to kill aberrant tissue, is an alternative.
  • Immunomodulatory medicines: Dermatologists might administer immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine or methotrexate to attempt to reduce inflammation in more severe situations or if nodules do not respond to previous therapy.
  • Other medications: Pregabalin, gabapentin, antidepressants, or oral naltrexone might be prescribed by certain dermatologists.

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