Neuropeptide

Psychiatry

Internal medicine

Calcineurin

Surgery

Dermatology

Receptor

Prurigo nodularis

Substance P

Epilepsy

Carbamazepine

Calcitonin

Itching

Capsaicin

Antipruritic

Prurigo

Transplantation

Medicine

Dermatologic Clinics

Prurigo nodularis occurs with chronic pruritus and the presence of single to multiple symmetrically distributed, hyperkeratotic, and intensively itching nodules. Diverse dermatologic, systemic, neurologic, or psychiatric conditions can lead to prurigo nodularis. Structural analysis demonstrated a reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density and increased dermal levels of nerve growth factor and neuropeptides such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Novel therapy concepts such as inhibitors at neurokinin-1, opioid receptors, and interleukin-31 receptors have been developed. The mainstays of prurigo nodularis therapy comprise topical steroids, capsaicin, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and the systemic application of anticonvulsants, μ-opioid receptor antagonists, or immunosuppressants.

Prurigo Nodularis and Its Management