Nocturnal itch: why do we itch at night?

doi:10.2340/00015555-0280

Paper

Nocturnal itch: why do we itch at night?

Published 2007 · Tejesh S. Patel, Y. Ishiuji, G. Yosipovitch

Acta dermato-venereologica

Q1 SJR score

101

Citations

2

Influential Citations

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Abstract

Pruritus is exacerbated at night in many systemic and dermatological diseases, resulting in reports of significantly diminished quality of life and sleep disturbances. At present, the underlying mechanisms responsible for night-time itching are not well understood. Nocturnal pruritus may be related to the circadian rhythm of itch mediators and possibly the disruption of such patterns. Diurnal changes in skin physiology, such as temperature and barrier function, may also play a role. Currently, the paucity of specific treatment options for nocturnal pruritus is alarming and needs to be addressed by future research. This review describes the scale of the problem associated with nocturnal pruritus, the impact it has on patients, possible underlying mechanisms and, lastly, treatment options.

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Study Snapshot

Nocturnal pruritus, exacerbated in various diseases, negatively impacts patients' quality of life and sleep, with potential underlying mechanisms including circadian rhythm disruption and diurnal changes in skin physiology.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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