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Interaction of Pruritus and Pain

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Pruritus

Abstract

Pruritus and pain are clearly distinct sensations linked to a characteristic reflex pattern: a withdrawal of pain and scratching for itch. Physiologically, a well known antagonism between pain and itch is used commonly to reduce itch by scratching. Interestingly, the mirror image of this interaction is also of clinical importance: reduction of pain can provoke itch as can be induced by spinal opioids.

Acute behavioural responses to pain and pruritus are fairly well conceived and protect the integrity of the body; however, in the pathophysiological state, chronic pain and itch lead to suffering of the patients without any obvious benefit, and the mechanisms underlying chronic itch and pain are poorly understood.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Karl Feuerstein Professorship, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany

    Martin Schmelz

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  1. Martin Schmelz
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Dermatologie, CHU Brest, Brest, 29200, France

    Laurent Misery

  2. Medizinische Einrichtungen, Klinik und Poliklinik für, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, Münster, 48149, Germany

    Sonja Ständer

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Schmelz, M. (2010). Interaction of Pruritus and Pain. In: Misery, L., Ständer, S. (eds) Pruritus. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-322-8_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-322-8_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84882-321-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84882-322-8

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