Itch Sensation Research Articles

Evaluation and Management of Pruritus and Scabies in the Elderly Population.

Pruritus is the most common dermatologic complaint in the geriatric population. Its growing prevalence coincides with the rapid growth of the elderly population (>65years of age) in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, 16.9% of the population, or more than 56 million adults 65 years and older, lived in the United States in 2022. Pruritus is a condition that accompanies a diverse array of underlying etiologic factors. The mechanism of normal itch impulse transmission has been recently elucidated. The itch sensation originates from epidermal/dermal receptors connected to unmyelinated, afferent C-fibers that transmit the impulse from the periphery.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Prurigo Nodularis: A Retrospective Study.

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a complex chronic skin disease characterized by severe pruritic nodules. PN is often associated with mental health disorders and chronic medical comorbidities. Until recently, PN treatment has been challenging and difficult. This study aims to describe the demographic, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities associated with PN. Also, we aim to describe the effectiveness of systemic therapies, including methotrexate, cyclosporine, and narrow band ultraviolet (NB-UVB) in adult patients with PN. This is a retrospective chart review of adult patients diagnosed with PN at Hamilton Health Science Center and/or McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, between 2015 and 2023. The study included 81 patients (57% female). The mean age was 52.8 years, and the mean age of PN diagnosis was 50 years. Reported symptoms included: itching (100%), dry skin (53%), pain (17%), and burning sensation (5%). Lower and upper extremities were the most common areas involved in 93% and 69%, respectively. Mental health disorders were present in 79% of patients, with depression (58%) and anxiety (52%) being the most common. Atopic dermatitis was the most common skin comorbidity noted. Treatments used included cyclosporine, and NB-UVB, and MTX, which resulted in significant improvement of pruritus in 38%, 35%, and 31% of patients, respectively, at week 16. PN is associated with increased risk of mental health disorders and other medical comorbidities. Cyclosporine, methotrexate, and NB-UVB therapy may be effective treatment options, however clinicians must consider the potential short- and long-term adverse effects of these treatments.

A novel anti-pruritic: Topical co-administration of high molecular weight hyaluronan (HMWH) with protamine, a transdermal transport enhancer.

Pruritis, the sensation of itch, is produced by multiple substances, exogenous and endogenous, that sensitizes specialized sensory neurons (pruriceptors and pruri-nociceptors). Unfortunately, many patients with acute and chronic pruritis obtain only partial relief when treated with currently available treatment modalities. We recently demonstrated that the topical application of high molecular weight hyaluronan (HMWH), when combined with vehicles containing transdermal transport enhancers, produce potent long-lasting reversal of nociceptor sensitization associated with inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In the present experiments we tested the hypothesis that the topical formulation of HMWH with protamine, a transdermal transport enhancer, can also attenuate pruritis. We report that this topical formulation of HMWH markedly attenuates scratching behavior at the nape of the neck induced by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), in male and female rats. Our results support the hypothesis that topical HMWH in a transdermal transport enhancer vehicle is a strong anti-pruritic.

Efficacy and influential factors of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether mediated photodynamic therapy in the treatment for port-wine stains

BackgroundsHematoporphyrin monomethyl ether mediated photodynamic therapy (HMME-PDT) has emerged as an alternative approach for port-wine stain (PWS), which was primarily treated with pulsed dye laser (PDL). This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HMME-PDT for PWS and to explore influential factors on the efficacy. MethodsA total of 254 patients were enrolled. Patients received an intravenous injection of HMME at 5 mg/kg. Lesion areas were irradiated with 532-nm light for 20–25 min. Efficacy was assessed according to fading of lesions and graded as excellent (≥90 %), good (60 %–89 %), fair (20 %–59 %), or poor (<20 %). Adverse events were recorded. Clinical data were analyzed including gender, age, lesion sub-type, lesion location and number of treatments. ResultsOverall, 72.4 % of patients achieved an effective response, with 27.6% showing excellent efficacy, 24.8 % showing good efficacy and 20.1 % showing fair efficacy. Only 27.6 % showed poor efficacy. Patients under the age of 18 obtained a better efficacy than adults. Lesions in face showed a better therapeutic outcome than those in neck or trunk and extremities. A more effective response was seen in pink type compared with nodular thickening type. Multiple HMME-PDT treatments could improve the clinical response. Lesion location, lesion sub-type, number of treatments were independent influential factors on efficacy. Adverse events included edema, blister, crust, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, pain, itch and burning sensation. No severe systemic side events were observed. ConclusionsHMME-PDT was effective for treating PWS and was safe and well-tolerated by patients. It is worth further investigation in efficacy and safety involving more patients from medical institutions in different regions in China. The optimal treatment parameters and treatment protocols are still being explored in the clinical treatment for PWS.

Targeting Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels, Mas-Related G-Protein-Coupled Receptors (Mrgprs), and Protease-Activated Receptors (PARs) to Relieve Itch.

Itch (pruritus) is a sensation in the skin that provokes the desire to scratch. The sensation of itch is mediated through a subclass of primary afferent sensory neurons, termed pruriceptors, which express molecular receptors that are activated by itch-evoking ligands. Also expressed in pruriceptors are several types of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels. TRP channels are a diverse class of cation channels that are responsive to various somatosensory stimuli like touch, pain, itch, and temperature. In pruriceptors, TRP channels can be activated through intracellular signaling cascades initiated by pruritogen receptors and underly neuronal activation. In this review, we discuss the role of TRP channels TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPM8, and TRPC3/4 in acute and chronic pruritus. Since these channels often mediate itch in association with pruritogen receptors, we also discuss Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptors (Mrgprs) and protease-activated receptors (PARs). Additionally, we cover the exciting therapeutic targets amongst the TRP family, as well as Mrgprs and PARs for the treatment of pruritus.

Targeting TRPV1+ primary somatosensory neurons for modulating pain and itch sensations

Targeting TRPV1+ primary somatosensory neurons for modulating pain and itch sensations

Patients' perspective, quality of life and treatment goals in Hailey-Hailey disease: Lessons learned from the German National Registry.

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) remains a difficult-to-treat dermatosis and little is known about the patient's perception of the disease activity, the treatment success and its impact on quality-of-life (QoL). To obtain better understanding of HHD patients' needs regarding their medical condition, financial burden, QoL, subjective well-being and treatment thereof as well as satisfaction to evaluate common treatments' 'real-life' relevance. With initiation of the national registry for Darier's disease (DD; Morbus Darier, MD) and Hailey-Hailey disease (HH) MDHHgermany, patients with HHD diagnosis were included starting June 2020. To assess subjective symptoms, patients filled out questionnaires such as the DLQI (dermatological life quality index), numeric rating scale (NRS) for itch, pain and burning sensation, as well as the SWLS (satisfaction with life scale) questionnaire to quantify overall satisfaction in life. Additionally, data on therapies were collected along with the patients' satisfaction of those and their medical care. Furthermore, patients assessed financial aspects and work ability. One hundred and two patients were recruited from dermatology clinics, office-based dermatologists and self-help platforms across Germany between June 2020 and February 2023, 90 were eligible and analysed (mean: 49.91 years, 73.33% females, 26.67% males). 39.77% stated according to the DLQI their life is severely/very severely affected. Satisfaction with life was mediocre. Burning sensation was most pronounced among subjective symptoms (NRS 5.85 ± 2.80). Systemic treatments were rated as ineffective according to 56.92%, 25.56% had never received one. Most prescribed systemic treatments were corticosteroids (73.8%), followed by low-dose naltrexone (LDN) (26.2%), retinoids (15.4%) and antibiotics (13.8%). Satisfaction with medical care was generally low. Our 'real-life' data state a major disease burden and impact on the QoL for affected individuals, as well as limited disease control due to inadequate therapies. MDHHgermany can provide insights into improvement of healthcare support with this debilitating disease and improve QoL. In the long term, it aims to provide basis for further clinical trials, epidemiological studies and immunological investigations.

Peripheral Pain Captured Centrally: Altered Brain Morphology on MRI in Small Fiber Neuropathy Patients With and Without an SCN9A Gene Variant

The current study aims to characterize brain morphology of pain as reported by small fiber neuropathy (SFN) patients with or without a gain-of-function variant involving the SCN9A gene and compare these with findings in healthy controls without pain. The Neuropathic Pain Scale was used in patients with idiopathic SFN (N = 20) and SCN9A-associated SFN (N = 12) to capture pain phenotype. T1-weighted, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected in patients and healthy controls (N = 21) to 1) compare cortical thickness and subcortical volumes and 2) quantify the association between severity, quality, and duration of pain with morphological properties. SCN9A-associated SFN patients showed significant (P < .017, Bonferroni corrected) higher cortical thickness in sensorimotor regions, compared to idiopathic SFN patients, while lower cortical thickness was found in more functionally diverse regions (eg, posterior cingulate cortex). SFN patient groups combined demonstrated a significant (Spearman’s ρ = .44–.55, P = .005–.049) correlation among itch sensations (Neuropathic Pain Scale-7) and thickness of the left precentral gyrus, and midcingulate cortices. Significant associations were found between thalamic volumes and duration of pain (left: ρ = −.37, P = .043; right: ρ = −.40, P = .025). No associations were found between morphological properties and other pain qualities. In conclusion, in SCN9A-associated SFN, profound morphological alterations anchored within the pain matrix are present. The association between itch sensations of pain and sensorimotor and midcingulate structures provides a novel basis for further examining neurobiological underpinnings of itch in SFN. PerspectiveCortical thickness and subcortical volume alterations in SFN patients were found in pain hubs, more profound in SCN9A-associated neuropathy, and correlated with itch and durations of pain. These findings contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiological pathways underlying chronic neuropathic pain and symptoms of itch in SFN.

Chemokine receptor CXCR2 in primary sensory neurons of trigeminal ganglion mediates orofacial itch.

The CXCR2 chemokine receptor is known to have a significant impact on the initiation and control of inflammatory processes. However, its specific involvement in the sensation of itch is not yet fully understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the function of CXCR2 in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) by utilizing orofacial itch models induced by incision, chloroquine (CQ), and histamine. Our results revealed a significant up-regulation of CXCR2 mRNA and protein expressions in the primary sensory neurons of TG in response to itch stimuli. The CXCR2 inhibitor SB225002 resulted in notable decrease in CXCR2 protein expression and reduction in scratch behaviors. Distal infraorbital nerve (DION) microinjection of a specific shRNA virus inhibited CXCR2 expression in TG neurons and reversed itch behaviors. Additionally, the administration of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 resulted in a decrease in the expressions of p-Akt, Akt, and CXCR2 in TG neurons, thereby mitigating pruritic behaviors. Collectively, we report that CXCR2 in the primary sensory neurons of trigeminal ganglion contributes to orofacial itch through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These observations highlight the potential of molecules involved in the regulation of CXCR2 as viable therapeutic targets for the treatment of itch.

AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH IN THE MANAGEMENT OF URTICARIA (SHEETPITTA): A CASE STUDY

Purpose: Urticaria is a vascular reaction of the skin characterised by sudden, short-lived itchy wheals which may be pale or pink in the centre, surrounded by red flare. Urticaria is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction which is caused be-cause of exposure to allergence. Epidemologically urticaria is increasing now days due to industrialization, pol-lution, increased use of various skin products, changes in lifestyle. Sign and symptoms of urticaria resembles with ‘Sheetpitta’ one of the vyadhi described by our acharyas caused by ‘Asatmya ahara and vihara’ results in vitiation of kapha and vata.our ancient acharyas has mentioned shamna and shodhana kriya as well as various Classical formulations for sheetpitta. Ayurvedic managemrent helps to cure urticaria by restoring equilibrium of tridosha and sapta dhatus, restores healthy skin. The present paper intends to highlight the ayurvedic manage-ment in reducing sign-symptoms and recurrence of the disease. Method: The present case study is on 28yr old male who is having complaint of on and off eruption of reddish, smooth slightly elevated wheals on trunk and upper extrimities associated with localized itching and burning sensation. He was clinically diagnosed as sheetpitta or urticaria.The patient was treated with Panchakarma chikitsa includ-ing vaman karma followed by virechan karma and some Ayurvediac shaman drugs. The patient was also advised some lifestyle and dietary adoptions. Results: The follow up was done for three months during which the patient had only one episode of rashes and itching. The patient got moderate relief in all the symptoms with appreciable changes. Conclusion: Urticaria can be successfully treated with an ayurvedic line of treatment and changes in daily lifestyle habits and diet.

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematous

Subacute Cutaneous Erythematous (SCLE) is an Auto-Immune skin disorder that cause skin sores and rashes when your immune system attacks itself. In this case report describe 39 years old female patient with SCLE. It is characterized by either ring-shaped red scaly border and also scaly red bumps in sun exposed areas associated with itching, pain and burning sensation. In this case, the patient has a multiple red colour lesions initially on the upper back region then spread to B/L UL, abdomen, chest, face and LL which is aggravating to sunlight. The patient is having a history of skin burns like lesions, tuberculomas and SJS. The diagnosis of SCLE was revealed by clinical presentation, Skin biopsy result and laboratory finding i.e. ANA Test was found to be highly positive and confirms that it is an autoimmune disease. The patient was treated with corticosteroid drug, DMARDs along with antihistaminic drugs and supportive therapy like nutritional supplements and skin lotion for external application, which led to significant improvement in the lesion formation and other symptoms. The case report highlights the careful monitoring and appropriate treatment of SCLE.

Environmental influences on induction of itching and scratching using immersive virtual reality

Chronic itching is a serious and uncomfortable condition. The scratch response might result in a vicious cycle of alternating itching and scratching. To develop psychological interventions for people suffering from chronic itching and to break the vicious itch-scratching-itch cycle, it is important to elucidate which environmental factors trigger itch sensations. Virtual reality (VR) techniques provide a useful tool to examine specific content characteristics in a three-dimensional (3D VR) environment and their influences on itch sensations and scratching behaviour. This article describes two experiments in which we focused on the effects of environmental information on itching and scratching behaviour. Additionally, in the second experiment, we examined the influence of having a chronic skin condition on sensitivity to itch induction. We found evidence for the importance of the content of audio–visual materials for the effectiveness in inducing feelings of itch in the observers. In both experiments, we observed significantly higher levels of perceived itch in the itch-inducing conditions than in the control condition. Moreover, the results showed that elevated levels of perceived itch were associated with an increase in scratching behaviours, which was especially salient in the contagious itch condition, in which perceived itch was accompanied by a significant increase in the number of scratches. Experiment 2 additionally showed increased perceived itch levels in participants who reported having a chronic skin condition, reflecting higher sensitivity to itch-inducing audio–visual stimuli in this group than in participants without a chronic skin condition. Based on the results we concluded that directing attention towards itch- or scratch aspects of related information in the environment and to the consequences for one’s own skin are effective tools to induce itch sensations and scratching behaviour. This knowledge provides tools for developing novel strategies in advising and treating people suffering from chronic itching and breaking the vicious itch-scratching-itch cycle.

An Ayurvedic Management of Dadru with special reference to Tinea Cruris: A case study

Tinea amongst all the skin disorders is the difficult to cure as it always has recurrence and also very obstinate. In regardless of quite excellent treatment options in modern medicine, it bubbles up again when medication stops. Tinea is fungal infection resembles with Dadru in Ayurveda. Ayurveda has given health solutions to mankind since the ancient time. Excessive severe itching and red patches are the common clinical manifestation which can be diagnosed by Darshana and Prashana Pariksha.Raktamokshana and Shamana Chikitsa will help to cure Dadru. Patient of Dadru presented with elevated irregular ring like patches with severe itching, redness/discolouration and burning sensation at the, groin region. Later it spreads over thigh, genital and buttocks region associated with sleeplessness, since 1 years. He has already taken modern medicine but there was recurrence. Patient treated with Arogyavardhini Vati,Gandhak Rasayana Gomutra siddha Haritaki Panchtiktaghrita Guggulu internally and Marichyadi TailShirisha Twakon OPD level and got relief.

Prediction of cell-cell communication patterns of dorsal root ganglion cells: single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis.

Abstract JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00042/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff Dorsal root ganglion neurons transmit peripheral somatic information to the central nervous system, and dorsal root ganglion neuron excitability affects pain perception. Dorsal root ganglion stimulation is a new approach for managing pain sensation. Knowledge of the cell-cell communication among dorsal root ganglion cells may help in the development of new pain and itch management strategies. Here, we used the single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) database to investigate intercellular communication networks among dorsal root ganglion cells. We collected scRNA-seq data from six samples from three studies, yielding data on a total of 17,766 cells. Based on genetic profiles, we identified satellite glial cells, Schwann cells, neurons, vascular endothelial cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Further analysis revealed that eight types of dorsal root ganglion neurons mediated proprioceptive, itch, touch, mechanical, heat, and cold sensations. Moreover, we predicted several distinct forms of intercellular communication among dorsal root ganglion cells, including cell-cell contact, secreted signals, extracellular matrix, and neurotransmitter-mediated signals. The data mining predicted that Mrgpra3-positive neurons robustly express the genes encoding the adenosine Adora2b (A2B) receptor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα-1). Our immunohistochemistry results confirmed the coexpression of the A2B receptor and GFRα-1. Intrathecal injection of the A2B receptor antagonist PSB-603 effectively prevented histamine-induced scratching behaviour in a dose-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate the involvement of the A2B receptor in the modulation of itch sensation. Furthermore, our findings provide insight into dorsal root ganglion cell-cell communication patterns and mechanisms. Our results should contribute to the development of new strategies for the regulation of dorsal root ganglion excitability.

Urticaria in childhood—what’s new?

AbstractUrticaria can manifest at any age, including infants and young children. Urticaria is one of the most prevalent skin diseases in childhood. As in adults, a distinction is made between acute and chronic urticaria, with chronic urticaria further classified into chronic spontaneous urticaria and inducible urticaria. According to the current German S3 guideline for classification, diagnosis, and treatment of urticaria, existing literature suggests that the prevalence, disease characteristics, causes, and also the response to treatment are very similar in children and adults. The clinical hallmark of urticaria is the subjective sensation of itch. In young children who may have difficulty expressing itching, it is crucial to observe their scratching behavior during clinical examinations. Particularly in children, mastocytosis and autoinflammatory syndromes (cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes [CAPS], especially Muckle–Wells syndrome and childhood Still’s disease) are important differential diagnoses. Autoinflammatory syndromes are characterized by additional symptoms such as fever, bone pain, muscle pain, and joint complaints. Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes usually manifest in infancy, so that these diseases must be considered, especially if cold-associated urticarial skin lesions are present. Appropriate and early treatment can prevent serious sequelae. In maculopapular mastocytosis (urticaria pigmentosa), reddish macules are characteristic for the disease; especially after elicitation of the Darier’s sign, differentiation from urticaria can be difficult, but the macules are permanent. Clinically, wheals and/or angioedema are found similarly to adults, indicating that mast cell-induced angioedema is also associated with childhood urticaria. In the case of exclusive angioedema, hereditary angioedema must also be considered, which usually manifests for the first time during puberty, often linked to hormone preparation usage.

A tactile twist: decoding the phenomena of mechanical itch and alloknesis.

Itch is a sensation in the skin which provokes the desire to scratch. In the past few decades there has been a significant elucidation of the immune and neural pathways which underly the sensation of itch. An interesting divergence in the itch pathway relates to the type of stimulation used to evoke an itchy sensation. Commonly, chemical mediators of itch such as histamine are injected into the skin where they activate their cognate receptors on sensory neurons. Another way to evoke itch, particularly in patients with chronic itch, is to use light mechanical stimulation. Investigation into these pathways utilizing the mouse model have shown that the neuronal pathways which underly chemical itch are distinct from those which mediate itch in response to mechanical stimulation. Specific populations of primary sensory neurons, spinal interneurons and transmission neurons have been identified which suggests a labeled line for itch transmission. Additionally, Piezo channels, which underly mechanosensation, were discovered to play an important role in the mechanical itch pathway. Given these novel findings relating to the mechanical itch pathway, the purpose of this review is to summarize the reports from human subjects and animal studies to highlight the advances in our understanding of mechanical itch and alloknesis.

Chronic cough, itch, skin pain and other unpleasant skin sensations are frequently associated: Results from survey on 8077 individuals

AbstractBackgroundNeuronal sensitisation frequently occurs in patients with pain, itch and cough.ObjectivesTo study the association of chronic pruritus, as well as other unpleasant skin sensations (especially skin pain), and chronic cough.MethodsAn online questionnaire survey was conducted on a representative sample of 8077 individuals aged 18–75 years from four European countries.ResultsThe frequency of chronic unpleasant symptoms was estimated regardless of the severity: tingling (20.7%), stinging (17.6%), cough (14.2%), pruritus (13.5%), burning (11.4%) and skin pain (10.7%). A significant decrease was observed with age. The presence of chronic cough was impressively associated with the presence of unpleasant skin sensations, with a specific highlight on pruritus [odds ratio (OR) = 8.20] and skin pain (OR = 6.18). After removing subjects who reported asthma and/or pruriginous skin diseases, the same trend was observed among people without asthma and/or pruriginous skin diseases.ConclusionsThis study shows that chronic cough, pruritus and other skin sensory disorders are very frequent, with a decrease with age, and were commonly associated together. These results were observed in the absence or presence of an allergic, atopic or immune context, suggesting that sensitisation to one symptom could favour sensitisation to others.

Ligand recognition and G protein coupling of the human itch receptor MRGPRX1

MRGPRX1, a Mas-related GPCR (MRGPR), is a key receptor for itch perception and targeting MRGPRX1 may have potential to treat both chronic itch and pain. Here we report cryo-EM structures of the MRGPRX1-Gi1 and MRGPRX1-Gq trimers in complex with two peptide ligands, BAM8-22 and CNF-Tx2. These structures reveal a shallow orthosteric pocket and its conformational plasticity for sensing multiple different peptidic itch allergens. Distinct from MRGPRX2, MRGPRX1 contains a unique pocket feature at the extracellular ends of TM3 and TM4 to accommodate the peptide C-terminal “RF/RY” motif, which could serve as key mechanisms for peptidic allergen recognition. Below the ligand binding pocket, the G6.48XP6.50F6.51G6.52X(2)F/W6.55 motif is essential for the inward tilting of the upper end of TM6 to induce receptor activation. Moreover, structural features inside the ligand pocket and on the cytoplasmic side of MRGPRX1 are identified as key elements for both Gi and Gq signaling. Collectively, our studies provide structural insights into understanding itch sensation, MRGPRX1 activation, and downstream G protein signaling.

Pathogenic mechanisms underlying itch in atopic dermatitis: the emerging role of neuroimmune interactions.

Itch is a frequent dermatological sensation that can occur in a variety of skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, inflammatory disorders characterised by eczematous lesions and chronic itch. The pathogenic mechanisms that lead to itch in atopic dermatitis are not fully understood. The current knowledge of its aetiology highlights the complex interplay among multiple pathogenic factors such as epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and its interaction with the nervous system. Furthermore, a relationship between itch intensity and certain factors such as stress, sleep disturbance, and pollutant exposure has often been shown in patients with itch. This article reviews the current advances in the processes behind itch signalling from the skin to the nervous system, focusing on atopic dermatitis pathophysiology. Studies investigating the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of atopic dermatitis have shown that itch management at the nervous system level may be sufficient to reduce itch sensation and improve skin lesions.

Basophils in pruritic skin diseases.

Basophils are rare cells in the peripheral blood which have the capability to infiltrate into the skin. Invasion of basophils has been detected in pruritic skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, chronic spontaneous urticaria and contact dermatitis. In the skin, basophils are important players of the inflammatory immune response, as they release Th2 cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, subsequently inducing the early activation of T-cells. Further, basophils release a multitude of mediators, such as histamine and IL-31, which both play an important role in the initiation of the pruritic response via activation of sensory nerves. Chronic pruritus significantly affects the quality of life and the working capability of patients, though its mechanisms are not fully elucidated yet. Since basophils and neurons share many receptors and channels, bidirectional interaction mechanisms, which drive the sensation of itch, are highlighted in this review.