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. 2024 Dec;35(1):2394107.
doi: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2394107. Epub 2024 Aug 27.

Patient perspective on symptoms of Notalgia paresthetica: subpopulation results from the Neuropathic Itch Patient Survey (NIRVE)

Brian S Kim  1 , Jennifer A Mohawk  2 , Sherri So  2 , Joshua Cirulli  2 , Joana Goncalves  2 , Joseph C Punzalan  3 , Mark Lebwohl  1
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Free article

Patient perspective on symptoms of Notalgia paresthetica: subpopulation results from the Neuropathic Itch Patient Survey (NIRVE)

Brian S Kim et al. J Dermatolog Treat. 2024 Dec.
Free article

Abstract

Background: Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a form of neuropathic itch characterized by recurrent itch in the mid back. Much about NP remains unclear, especially the patient experience.

Objectives: The Neuropathic Itch Patient Survey (NIRVE) was a global, online survey conducted to better characterize the symptom burden of neuropathic itch from the patient perspective.

Patients and methods: This report focuses on the symptom burden of the subpopulation of NIRVE participants with a self-reported diagnosis of NP (N = 91). Respondents reported visiting a median of 2 healthcare providers (HCPs) for their symptoms before receiving an accurate diagnosis of NP.

Results: The most common cutaneous symptoms ever experienced were itch/pruritus, sensitive skin, painful or raw skin, numbness, and tingling. The symptoms reported by the most respondents as currently being experienced included itch/pruritus, numbness, painful or raw skin, tingling, and burning or hot sensation. Of patients currently experiencing symptoms, numbness and itch/pruritus were ranked as the most intense, followed by tingling, burning or hot sensation, and then painful or raw skin. Most patients consult multiple healthcare providers (HCPs) before receiving a diagnosis for their condition.

Conclusion: Itch is overwhelmingly the most prevalent symptom of the condition, although half of patients also report experiencing sensitive skin, painful or raw skin, numbness, or tingling.

Keywords: Notalgia paresthetica; neuropathic itch; patient survey; pruritus; sensory neuropathy.

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