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brachioradial pruritus
Etiology:
- disease of the cervical spine
- inflammation or irritation of cervical nerves
- chronic sun damage may contribute
Clinical manifestations:
- burning, itching or stinging on the extensor surface of the arms, forearms or upper back
- deep, crawling or tingling sensation
- recurrent or persistent pruritus
- absence of primary skin lesions or hyperpigmented patch, 'itch without a rash'
- lichenification & hyperpigmentation can result from chronic scratching
Radiology:
- imaging of cervical spine generally not indicated
Management:
- application of ice or cold packs (diagnostic)
- toplical analgesia
- pramoxine
- gabpentin or pregabalin may be of benefit [1]
- in the absence of gross cervical spine pathology, surgery is not likely to be of benefit
Note:
- see neuropathic pruritus
General
neuropathic pruritus
References
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 15, 16, 18.
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2009, 2012, 2018.
- Lane JE, McKenzie JT, Spiegel J.
Brachioradial pruritus: a case report and review of the
literature.
Cutis. 2008 Jan;81(1):37-40
PMID: 18306846
- Goodkin R, Wingard E, Bernhard JD
Brachioradial pruritus: cervical spine disease and neurogenic/
neuropathic [corrected] pruritus.
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Apr;48(4):521-4.
PMID: 12664013