Topography of itch: evidence of distinct coding for pruriception in the trigeminal nerve.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Little is known about the topographical distribution of pruriception (in particular for nonhistaminergic itch), although conditions with chronic itch frequently occur in distinct anatomic and often bilateral patterns. This study aimed to investigate regional differences in the sensitivity to itch stimuli by assessing the intensity of itch, pain, and cutaneous neurogenic flare evoked by histamine and cowhage in different anatomic regions in 20 healthy volunteers.

Methods

Itch was induced by 1% histamine applied with a prick lancet or by insertion of 25±5 cowhage spicules in 4 regions: volar/dorsal forearm, lower back, and chin. The duration and intensity of itch and pain following each pruritic stimulus were measured by a continuous visual analogue scale (VAS

SUBMITTER: Andersen HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5965300 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature