Pruritus in Keloid Scars: Mechanisms and Treatments

Overview

Journal Acta Derm Venereol

Specialty Dermatology

Date 2021 Sep 14

PMID 34518894

Citations 19

Authors

Ahmed A Hawash

Giuseppe Ingrasci

Keyvan Nouri

Gil Yosipovitch

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Keloids are scars that extend beyond the margins of an insulting cutaneous injury. Keloids are often thought to be primarily a cosmetic issue, as they are typically quite raised and pigmented. However, these scars also present with functional symptoms of pruritus and pain that significantly impact quality of life. The symptom of pruritus is frequently overlooked by dermatologists, and treatments are often primarily focused on the gross appearance of the scar. This review describes the prevalence and importance of pruritus in keloids. In addition, the putative mechanisms underlying the development of keloid pruritus, which include neuronal and immunological mechanisms, are discussed. Furthermore, this review describes keloid treatments that have been shown to reduce pruritus, treatments that specifically target the itch, and emerging therapies.

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