Laboratory Studies

Perform a CBC count and a chemistry panel, including liver function tests (LFTs), to help exclude underlying hematologic malignancies, renal failure, and hepatic diseases.

Procedures

Obtaining skin biopsy samples of prurigo nodularis skin lesions for histologic examination and/or cultures may be indicated to exclude squamous cell carcinoma (particularly the keratoacanthoma type) and infections (especially deep fungal, atypical mycobacterial).

Patch testing to exclude contact sensitivity may be considered, particularly with coexisting dermatitis.

Histologic Findings

The histologic features of prurigo nodularis^[22]include a hyperkeratotic epidermis with acanthosis and parakeratosis. Rete ridges are elongated and irregular with a dense dermal infiltrate consisting of neutrophils, eosinophils, histiocytes, and monocytes.^[23]Also notable in the dermis are thickened nerve fibers and fibrosis with thickened collagen bundles. Thickened nerve fibers are dilated on electron microscopy. Schwann cells show vacuolization and degeneration with no detectable mitochondria. Axons and Schwann cells both show hyperproliferation.^{[22, 24]}

Highly characteristic for prurigo nodularis is the presence of thick, compact orthohyperkeratosis; irregular epidermal hyperplasia or pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia; focal parakeratosis or superficial epithelial necrosis; hypergranulosis; fibrosis of the papillary dermis with vertically arranged collagen fibers; increased number of fibroblasts and capillaries; a superficial, perivascular and/or interstitial inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, macrophages and, to a lesser extent, eosinophils and neutrophils. Correlation of clinical and histological findings is necessary to reliably distinguish between prurigo nodularis and lichen simplex chronicus,^[25]although both disorders may coexist in the same patient and both are a reaction to rubbing or scratching the skin.

Treatment & Management

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Media Gallery

Prurigo nodularis. Courtesy of Jeffrey Meffert, MD.
Prurigo nodularis. Courtesy of Jeffrey Meffert, MD.

of 2

Author

Amarateedha Prak LeCourt, MD Resident Physician, Department of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego; Naval Flight Surgeon/Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer, US Navy

Amarateedha Prak LeCourt, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Aerospace Medical Association, Association of Military Surgeons of the US

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Kristina Marie Dela Rosa, MD Dermatologist, Insight Dermatology, San Diego, CA

Kristina Marie Dela Rosa, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD Dermatologic/Mohs Surgeon, The Surgery Center at Plano Dermatology

Michael J Wells, MD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

Daniel J Hogan, MD Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine (Dermatology), Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Investigator, Hill Top Research, Florida Research Center

Daniel J Hogan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, Canadian Dermatology Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Franklin Flowers, MD Professor Emeritus, Department of Dermatology, Affiliate Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Florida College of Medicine

Franklin Flowers, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Mohs Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Stephen H Mason, MD

Stephen H Mason, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Women's Dermatologic Society, Skin Cancer Foundation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Siobahn M Hruby, MD Internal Medicine Physician, Boys Town National Research Hospital

Siobahn M Hruby, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Sharron M Mason, MD Staff Physician, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.