The British journal of dermatology
-
Assessing pruritus severity is difficult because of its subjective nature. A questionnaire that takes into account how the symptom is perceived by the patient may provide a more accurate representation of the pruritus. However, recently developed questionnaires do not specifically quantify severity of the symptom. ⋯ Based on this preliminary evidence of validity and reliability, this new seven-item ISS may be useful in comparing pruritus severity among different disease populations or in assessing pruritus treatment effectiveness.
-
Patients who suffer from chronic itch employ creative techniques to alleviate their itch, often using painful thermal stimuli, such as hot and very cold showers, as well as mechanical stimuli, such as scratching. ⋯ The present psychophysical study demonstrates that repetitive noxious thermal and scratching stimuli inhibit itch and do not require direct physical interaction with the area of the skin from which itch originates.