Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a distressing inflammatory skin condition marked by itchy, reddish lesions.
Dupilumab may reduce pruritus and lesion appearance among patients with prurigo nodularis, according to a comprehensive review of the extensive systemic therapies. The outcomes of the study were published in Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.
The primary goal of interventions is to disrupt the destructive itch-scratch cycle associated with Prurigo nodularis, necessitating a multifaceted approach targeting both immune and neural factors. In a recent evidence review, researchers conducted a meticulous search across databases complemented by an exploration of Google Scholar. This resulted in including 88 studies after the elimination of duplicates and irrelevant findings.

Among the different treatments that were scrutinized in this research that identified several promising drugs to solve the inflammatory condition. Dupilumab emerged as a standout by showcasing the efficacy in reducing both pruritus and lesion appearance with notably fewer side effects. Thalidomide and pregabalin also demonstrated effectiveness with concerns over long-term use were also raised due to pain associated with muscle and nerve.
This extensive review encompassed the diverse treatments such as cyclosporin, methotrexate, lenalidomide, aprepitant, alitretinoin, apremilast, baricitinib, gabapentin, and other drugs offering a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic options.
The findings showed the potential benefits of Janus Kinase inhibitors, suggesting a positive impact on Prurigo nodularis, although the need for large-scale population studies is emphasized.
This outcomes improves the patients suffering with Prurigo nodularis and offers insights into a range of treatments that could significantly improve their quality of life. The understanding of this debilitating skin condition deepens and helps us in the prospect of customized and effective interventions grows, underscoring the importance of ongoing research in dermatological health.
Reference:
McCampbell, L. E., Zaino, M. L., Ranpariya, M., Patel, T., & Feldman, S. R. (2023). Systemic Medication for the Treatment of Prurigo Nodularis—A Systematic Review. In Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.1177/12034754231211797