Ji Hyun Lee, Chan Ho Na, Ji Hoon Ryoo, Soo Yuhl Chae, Jin Ho Kim, Do Young Park, Jin Seon Bang, Esther Kim, Jun Ho Kwak, Da Hyun Kang, Bark-Lynn Lew, Yong Hyun Jang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: In the 'Itch-Scratch cycle', scratching manifests in various ways and further provokes skin inflammation and alteration of the skin microbiota. However, there is an unmet demand for classifying and interpreting scratching behavior. We analyze patterns of scratching behavior expressed by patients with chronic pruritus.
Methods: A survey was conducted on 206 adult patients with chronic pruritus for more than six weeks. Participants responded to a questionnaire about pruritus, including standard unidimensional-scale questions, as well as individualistic questions about sensory expression and quality of life. For scratching behavior, all patients answered questions about patterns, tools, situations, time spent, and scratched areas. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to classify scratching behavior. Descriptive and exploratory factor analyses were used to identify the structure of the underlying factors measured by the questionnaire items.
Results: Among pruritic descriptors, 'unbearable' was the most common (84.5%). Of 206 participants, 190 (92.2%) responded that they scratched. The most common itch resolution methods were 'applying moisturizer', 'rubbing', and 'applying ointment'. The fingernails (89.3%) were the most frequently reported tool used for scratching. Participants reported most frequent scratching during sleep or rest. Among the pruritus-specific quality-of-life indicators, 'Lifelong' was the most stressful item related to all scratching behaviors. Regarding scratching differences by disease, patients with prurigo showed shorter scratching time with abnormal and aggressive behavior.
Conclusions: We analyzed scratching behavior patterns in patients with chronic pruritus. Our findings support the need for education on the importance of applying moisturizer before sleep. The results are also important for helping patients with prurigo correct their abnormal and aggressive scratching behavior patterns, which can reduce quality of life and worsen symptoms.
期刊介绍:
The journal features cutting-edge original research, brief communications, and state-of-the-art reviews in the specialties of allergy, asthma, and immunology, including clinical and experimental studies and instructive case reports. Contemporary reviews summarize information on topics for researchers and physicians in the fields of allergy and immunology. As of January 2017, AAIR do not accept case reports. However, if it is a clinically important case, authors can submit it in the form of letter to the Editor. Editorials and letters to the Editor explore controversial issues and encourage further discussion among physicians dealing with allergy, immunology, pediatric respirology, and related medical fields. AAIR also features topics in practice and management and recent advances in equipment and techniques for clinicians concerned with clinical manifestations of allergies and pediatric respiratory diseases.