Can Serum Biomarkers for Prurigo Nodularis Expose Pathophysiology?

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic, pruritic skin disorder characterized by the development of hyperkeratotic nodules resulting in significant discomfort and reduced quality of life for affected individuals. While the pathophysiology of PN is not fully understood, both the immune and nervous systems have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Skin lesions in PN demonstrate increases in cutaneous nerve fiber density, immune cell infiltration, and cytokine expression in addition to the obvious epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. Specifically, elevations in cytokine levels such as interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-13, and IL-31 have been associated with the persistence of the itch-scratch cycle in PN. This suggests that PN is a complex disease involving both immune and nervous system dysregulation.

Source: JAMA Dermatology - August 9, 2023 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research