Many dermatologic diseases present with chronic itching and/or chronic pain. Both symptoms can be persistent and debilitating, and they usually are resistant to traditional treatments. Some have proposed that chronic denervation or hyper-innervation in injured skin can lead to chronic pain and itch of neuropathic origin.
This workshop will cover broad aspects of neuropathic itch and pain, covering the topic from basic science to clinical scenarios. It will explore the molecular mechanisms of chronic itch and its presentation in patients with chronic skin conditions, similar changes in functional properties of pruriceptive neurons in murine models of persistent itch and pain, structural and functional mechanisms that can lead to perpetuation of peripheral neuronal sensitization, and the difference between neuropathic lesions leading to pain or itch. Results will be presented from a study of two skin conditions in patients where damage to intraepidermal fibers led to chronic itch.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to understand the molecular mechanism of neuropathic itch and its clinical presentation in skin diseases
• Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to recognize neuropathic itch in patients and will be able to think in a potential treatment for their patient.
• Upon completion of this session, attendees will be aware that neuropathic itch is a symptom that can accompany many skin diseases along with neuropathic pain.