Elise Edwards

Chronic pruritus (CP) is a highly debilitating symptom associated with substantial impairment in quality of life (QOL), which equates to that of chronic pain.1,2 Two-thirds of patients with CP meet criteria for poor sleep, and pruritus severity directly correlates with sleep disturbance.3 Nocturnal exacerbation of itch is commonly reported,4 possibly resulting from circadian changes in itch mediators, skin temperature, barrier function, and perceptual focus.5 However, the role of sleep...

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a debilitating condition characterized by recurrent hives and pruritus for more than 6 weeks without an identifiable trigger. It affects up to 1% of people worldwide [1] and imposes substantial quality of life impairment and healthcare costs [2].

Keywords C nerve fibers Cutaneous sensation Neuronal mechanism Scratching Tickle Abbreviations ACC (anterior cingulate cortex) AI (anterior insula) CLTMR (C low-threshold mechanoreceptor) CP (chronic pruritus) CT (C-tactile) IMC (involuntary muscle contraction) NAc (nucleus accumbens) PAG (periaqueductal gray) PBN (parabrachial nucleus) VTA (ventral tegmental area) Get full text access Log in, subscribe or purchase for full access. References 1. Ackerley, R. ∙ Backlund Wasling, H. ∙ Liljencrantz, J.