# Predicting Factors and Clinical Characteristics of Pruritus in Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Survey

## TL;DR

This study explores how common and severe itching is in psoriasis patients and identifies factors linked to itch intensity and presence.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into clinical characteristics and predictors of pruritus in psoriasis patients using a detailed questionnaire.

## Key findings

- 115 out of 163 psoriasis patients reported itch, with higher PASI and DLQI scores associated with itch presence.
- Itch was most often described as a crawling sensation, worsened by stress and temperature changes, with moderate intensity.
- Biologics showed a protective effect against itch development and reduced itch intensity, while advanced age, high BMI, and PASI scores indicated itch presence.

## Abstract

Pruritus is an important symptom among patients affected by psoriasis. To date, no general agreement has been established regarding pruritus as a measure of psoriasis severity. This study aims to assess psoriatic pruritis prevalence and characteristics using a comprehensive itch questionnaire. A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 48 questions was applied to patients diagnosed with psoriasis and admitted to the Dermatology Department of Mures Clinical County Hospital, Romania. A total of 163 patients were enrolled, out of which 115 (70.55%) reported itch. Patients with itch had higher PASI (p = 0.003) and DLQI scores (p < 0.001). The itch was most frequently described as a crawling sensation, mainly located in the lesional skin and aggravated by stress and temperature variation. It had a moderate intensity (6.18 ± 2.46). Emollients were the treatment preferred by most patients in alleviating itch, while biologics exerted a protective effect on itch development (OR = −0.24; p < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with itch intensity (r = −0.23; p < 0.0001). Advanced age, high BMI, and PASI scores were indicators of itch presence, while female gender, high PASI score, and frequent itch episodes indicate highly intense pruritus (≥7 on the VAS). A better understanding of itch and its clinical features will guide physicians toward the best treatment option and would, ultimately, benefit the patient.