Display options
Cite
Ellis C. Notalgia paresthetica: the unreachable itch. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2013;3(1):3-6doi: 10.5826/dpc.0301a02.
Ellis, C. (2013). Notalgia paresthetica: the unreachable itch. Dermatology practical & conceptual, 3(1), 3-6. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0301a02
Ellis, Carolyn. "Notalgia paresthetica: the unreachable itch." Dermatology practical & conceptual vol. 3,1 (2013): 3-6. doi: https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0301a02
Ellis C. Notalgia paresthetica: the unreachable itch. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2013 Jan 31;3(1):3-6. doi: 10.5826/dpc.0301a02. Print 2013 Jan. PMID: 23785628; PMCID: PMC3663387.
Copy Download .nbib Format: NLM
Share it on

Dermatol Pract Concept. 2013 Jan 31;3(1):3-6. doi: 10.5826/dpc.0301a02. Print 2013 Jan.

Notalgia paresthetica: the unreachable itch.

Dermatology practical & conceptual

Carolyn Ellis

Affiliations

  1. Largo Medical Center, Largo, FL, USA.

PMID: 23785628 PMCID: PMC3663387 DOI: 10.5826/dpc.0301a02

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a very common, under-recognized condition characterized by pruritus in a unilateral, dermatomal distribution in the mid-back. Chronic pruritus is sometimes accompanied by pain, paresthesias, or altered sensation to touch.

OBJECTIVES: To review the current literature with regards to the cause of NP and its most appropriate treatment.

METHODS: Comprehensive literature review using PubMed to inspect the available data on NP.

RESULTS: The most likely cause of NP is cutaneous nerve damage. Many therapies have been tried in the treatment of NP, mostly in small case studies.

CONCLUSIONS: The published cases and studies suggest symptoms of NP are due to a cutaneous sensory neuropathy. Treatments addressing the condition as such are more successful than traditional itch therapies. In many cases, a simple explanation for the persistent pruritus is satisfactory for patients. For very distressing cases, therapy should address the condition as a benign sensory neuropathy. Further studies are needed to evaluate which treatments have the greatest potential for providing symptom relief.

Keywords: backscratcher; cutaneous neuropathy; neuropathic itch; notalgia paresthetica; pruritus

References

  1. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998 Jan;38(1):114-6 - PubMed
  2. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2009 Nov;109(11):605-8 - PubMed
  3. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1994 Jul;19(4):346-9 - PubMed
  4. Arch Dermatol. 2007 Aug;143(8):980-2 - PubMed
  5. Dermatology. 2002;204(2):88-93 - PubMed
  6. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Oct;45(4):630-2 - PubMed
  7. Microsurgery. 2010;30(1):70-2 - PubMed
  8. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Jun;52(6):1085-7 - PubMed
  9. Int J Dermatol. 2000 Oct;39(10):754-9 - PubMed
  10. J Invest Dermatol. 1991 Sep;97(3):555-61 - PubMed
  11. Acupunct Med. 2002 Dec;20(4):186-90 - PubMed
  12. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 1999 May;12(3):215-21 - PubMed
  13. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2007 Nov;21(10):1440-1 - PubMed
  14. Acta Derm Venereol. 2011 May;91(3):356-7 - PubMed
  15. Arch Dermatol. 1979 Aug;115(8):982-3 - PubMed
  16. J Dermatol. 2007 May;34(5):315-9 - PubMed
  17. Neurology. 1981 May;31(5):642 - PubMed
  18. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1995 Feb;32(2 Pt 1):287-9 - PubMed

Publication Types