Dermatologic therapy
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Dermatologic therapy · Jan 2014
Case ReportsItch in familial lichen amyloidosis: effective treatment with amitriptyline in two cases.
Itch is a characteristic feature of lichen amyloidosis and the symptom can be debilitating. Treatments, however, are generally not effective. We report amitriptyline as a novel therapy in treating itch in two patients with familial lichen amyloidosis who did not respond to prior potent topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. ⋯ In the latter, his DLQI concurrently reduced from 14 to 6 of 30. Pathophysiology of itch in lichen amyloidosis may involve both cutaneous and neural components and amitriptyline is known to be useful for neuropathic itch. Low-dose amitriptyline poses little risk of side effects and may offer an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of itch in familial cutaneous amyloidosis.