Prurigo nodularis is associated with certain cancers
Everyones had an itch they just needed to scratch.
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a long-lasting itchy inflammatory skin disease.
It shows up as circular bumps on the arms, legs, upper back, and abdomen.
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It can be scabby or scaly and flesh-colored, pink, red, black, or brown.
There can be bleeding where the bumps have been scratched open.
This article will explain prurigo nodularis and explore the link between prurigo nodularis and cancer.
A study of 695 people with PN ages 40 to 69 found 18% had a malignancy.
For this reason, your healthcare provider may suggest getting blood tests to determine if these conditions are present.
Prurigo Nodularis Causes
In many ways, PN is still a mystery.
Its cause is unknown.
These medications may lead to prolonged activation of the immune system that may lead to PN.
Or there could be no specific connection and the correlation could be due to outside factors.
Typically, healthcare providers will try treatments for other skin disorders on people with PN.
Other options include anti-inflammatory medications and those that can alter the immune response.
These treatments dont always work.
Sometimes the discovery and treatment of an underlying condition will help clear up the itching and PN.
People with prurigo nodularis may developneuropathy, which is nerve pain.
People with PN should:
Being itchy all the time can also mess with your mental health.
Many times, there is an underlying disease that leads to itching.
Cancer treatments can also lead to prurigo nodularis.
People with PN should ask their healthcare provider if they need additional screenings to rule out underlying diseases.
These may include antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, physical barriers, and other treatments.
In some cases, identifying and treating an underlying condition can improve PN symptoms.
Many treatments have been used for prurigo nodularis (PN).
In some cases, PN resolves using these treatments.
In others, it will resolve if the underlying cause is treated.
Sometimes, it does not get better.
One study found that cancers are more than 4 times more likely in people with prurigo nodularis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Prurigo nodularis: causes.
2020;140(2):480-483.e4.
2018;79(4):714-719.e3.
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.04.047
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Prurigo nodularis.
