Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (670 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
An intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or scratch the skin to obtain relief.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Itching; Pruritis.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Skin Diseases; Skin Manifestations
- Narrower topics
- Pruritus Ani; Pruritus Vulvae; Tinea Pedis
- See also
- Antipruritics
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 17,545 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Pruritus” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 3,737 of them (21.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 6,091 records.
Reviews account for 2,515 records (14.3%) and meta-analyses for 198. Randomized controlled trials number 1,492 (8.5%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up a comparatively large share of this literature, which means many treatment questions have been tested directly.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 6,091 |
| 2000-2009 | 2,973 |
| 2010-2019 | 4,744 |
| 2020 onward | 3,737 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 2,515 | 14.3% |
| Meta-analyses | 198 | 1.1% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 1,492 | 8.5% |
Method: PubMed query "Pruritus"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in bones, joints, muscles and skin
Joint, bone, muscle and skin conditions are often judged by pain scores, function questionnaires, imaging or photographs, and symptoms can fluctuate, so placebo response and natural improvement matter. Imaging changes are common in people without symptoms. Nothing on this page is advice about treatment. Check how outcomes were measured, whether the comparison group received a placebo or usual care, and how long the benefit lasted.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Itch | 2022 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 61 | cc by PMID 36613861 · DOI · PMC9820407 |
| Prurigo Nodularis: Pathogenesis and the Horizon of Potential Therapeutics | 2024 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 32 | cc by PMID 38791201 · DOI · PMC11121340 |
| TRPV3 Ion Channel: From Gene to Pharmacology | 2023 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 25 | cc by PMID 37239947 · DOI · PMC10218142 |
| Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Cutaneous Manifestations Associated With Nemolizumab in Atopic Dermatitis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in Japan | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 10 | cc by PMID 40698830 · DOI · PMC12967727 |
Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Itch [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels are multifunctional sensory molecules that are abundant in the skin and are involved in the sensory pathways of itch, pain, and inflammation.
- Closing excerpt
- Further controlled studies on the safety and efficacy of these emerging treatments is needed before clinical use.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (136 words)
Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels are multifunctional sensory molecules that are abundant in the skin and are involved in the sensory pathways of itch, pain, and inflammation. In this review article, we explore the complex physiology of different TRP channels, their role in modulating itch sensation, and their contributions to the pathophysiology of acute and chronic itch conditions. We also cover small molecule and topical TRP channel agents that are emerging as potential anti-pruritic treatments; some of which have shown great promise, with a few treatments advancing into clinical trials-namely, TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPA1, and TRPM8 targets. Lastly, we touch on possible ethnic differences in TRP channel genetic polymorphisms and how this may affect treatment response to TRP channel targets. Further controlled studies on the safety and efficacy of these emerging treatments is needed before clinical use.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36613861 · DOI · PMC9820407
Prurigo Nodularis: Pathogenesis and the Horizon of Potential Therapeutics [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Chronic pruritus that lasts for over 6 weeks can present in various forms, like papules, nodules, and plaque types, with prurigo nodularis (PN) being the most prevalent.
- Closing excerpt
- Traditional treatments often fail, but recent advancements in understanding the inflammatory and itch transmission mechanisms of PN have paved the way for innovative therapeutic approaches, which are explored in this review.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (144 words)
Chronic pruritus that lasts for over 6 weeks can present in various forms, like papules, nodules, and plaque types, with prurigo nodularis (PN) being the most prevalent. The pathogenesis of PN involves the dysregulation of immune cell-neural circuits and is associated with peripheral neuropathies, possibly due to chronic scratching. PN is a persistent and challenging condition, involving complex interactions among the skin, immune system, and nervous system. Lesional skin in PN exhibits the infiltration of diverse immune cells like T cells, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells, leading to the release of inflammatory cytokines and itch-inducing substances. Activated sensory nerve fibers aggravate pruritus by releasing neurotransmitters, perpetuating a vicious cycle of itching and scratching. Traditional treatments often fail, but recent advancements in understanding the inflammatory and itch transmission mechanisms of PN have paved the way for innovative therapeutic approaches, which are explored in this review.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38791201 · DOI · PMC11121340
TRPV3 Ion Channel: From Gene to Pharmacology [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 3 (TRPV3) is an ion channel with a sensory function that is most abundantly expressed in keratinocytes and peripheral neurons.
- Closing excerpt
- In this review, we discuss the progress in the understanding of the evolution, structure, and pharmacology of TRPV3 in the context of the channel's function in normal and pathological states.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (149 words)
Transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 3 (TRPV3) is an ion channel with a sensory function that is most abundantly expressed in keratinocytes and peripheral neurons. TRPV3 plays a role in Ca2+ homeostasis due to non-selective ionic conductivity and participates in signaling pathways associated with itch, dermatitis, hair growth, and skin regeneration. TRPV3 is a marker of pathological dysfunctions, and its expression is increased in conditions of injury and inflammation. There are also pathogenic mutant forms of the channel associated with genetic diseases. TRPV3 is considered as a potential therapeutic target of pain and itch, but there is a rather limited range of natural and synthetic ligands for this channel, most of which do not have high affinity and selectivity. In this review, we discuss the progress in the understanding of the evolution, structure, and pharmacology of TRPV3 in the context of the channel's function in normal and pathological states.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 37239947 · DOI · PMC10218142
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Cutaneous Manifestations Associated With Nemolizumab in Atopic Dermatitis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in Japan [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Nemolizumab, an anti-interleukin-31 receptor A monoclonal antibody, has been approved in Japan for treating atopic dermatitis (AD)-associated pruritus.
- Closing excerpt
- In conclusion, nemolizumab frequently induces early-onset, morphologically distinct cutaneous eruptions that appear to be independent of baseline disease severity or biomarkers.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (241 words)
Nemolizumab, an anti-interleukin-31 receptor A monoclonal antibody, has been approved in Japan for treating atopic dermatitis (AD)-associated pruritus. While it is effective for itch control, nemolizumab-associated cutaneous adverse events have been increasingly recognized, yet their clinical features remain poorly characterized. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and timing of cutaneous manifestations associated with nemolizumab treatment in patients with AD, and to explore potential associations with baseline disease severity and immunological parameters. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study involving 219 patients aged ≥ 13 years with AD who received nemolizumab at 13 institutions in Japan between August 2022 and February 2024. Cutaneous eruptions were classified into six categories based on clinical consensus. Patients who received fewer than three doses without developing skin reactions were excluded. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between patients with and without cutaneous manifestations. Cutaneous manifestations occurred in 88 patients (40.2%), most commonly within the first three doses. Erythema was the most frequent presentation (69.3%), and 62.5% of eruptions were non-pruritic. No significant associations were observed between the occurrence of skin reactions and baseline eczema area and severity index scores, eosinophil counts, serum immunoglobulin E, or thymus and activation-regulated chemokine levels. Two cases of bullous pemphigoid were identified. Despite topical corticosteroid treatment, nemolizumab therapy was discontinued in 42% of the patients affected. In conclusion, nemolizumab frequently induces early-onset, morphologically distinct cutaneous eruptions that appear to be independent of baseline disease severity or biomarkers.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40698830 · DOI · PMC12967727
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Consensus-based European guidelines for treatment of atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children: part I [5]
- Research article Astrocytes in chronic pain and itch [6]
- Research article Peripheral and Central Mechanisms of Itch [7]
- Research article Comorbidities and the impact of atopic dermatitis [8]
- Research article Itch: From mechanism to (novel) therapeutic approaches [9]
- Research article Physiology and Pathophysiology of Itch [10]
References
- Mahmoud O, Soares GB, Yosipovitch G. Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Itch. . 2022. PMID 36613861 · DOI · PMC9820407
- Yook HJ, Lee JH. Prurigo Nodularis: Pathogenesis and the Horizon of Potential Therapeutics. . 2024. PMID 38791201 · DOI · PMC11121340
- Kalinovskii AP, Utkina LL, Korolkova YV, Andreev YA. TRPV3 Ion Channel: From Gene to Pharmacology. . 2023. PMID 37239947 · DOI · PMC10218142
- Sasaki W, Saito R, Suzuki K, Watanabe D, Minami-Hori M, Kamada H, et al.. Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Cutaneous Manifestations Associated With Nemolizumab in Atopic Dermatitis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in Japan. . 2026. PMID 40698830 · DOI · PMC12967727
- Wollenberg A, Barbarot S, Bieber T, Christen-Zaech S, Deleuran M, Fink-Wagner A, et al.. Consensus-based European guidelines for treatment of atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children: part I. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018. PMID 29676534 · DOI
- Ji RR, Donnelly CR, Nedergaard M. Astrocytes in chronic pain and itch. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2019. PMID 31537912 · DOI · PMC6874831
- Dong X, Dong X. Peripheral and Central Mechanisms of Itch. Neuron. 2018. PMID 29723501 · DOI · PMC6022762
- Silverberg JI. Comorbidities and the impact of atopic dermatitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2019. PMID 31034875 · DOI
- Yosipovitch G, Rosen JD, Hashimoto T. Itch: From mechanism to (novel) therapeutic approaches. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018. PMID 30409247 · DOI
- Cevikbas F, Lerner EA. Physiology and Pathophysiology of Itch. Physiol Rev. 2020. PMID 31869278 · DOI · PMC7474262
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.