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A multidisciplinary Delphi consensus on the modern definition of pruritus: sensation and disease

Background The definition of pruritus (synonym: itch) dates back to the 17th century and does not address the complexity of the sensation or the nature of pruritus as a disease. Objective Elaborate a new definition of pruritus comprising emotional aspects, stages and causal attributes. Methods In a...

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Main Authors: Ständer, Sonja (Author) , Schmelz, Martin (Author) , Lerner, Ethan (Author) , Murota, Hiroyuki (Author) , Nattkemper, Leigh (Author) , Reich, Adam (Author) , Stahl, Lea-Sophie (Author) , Yosipovitch, Gil (Author) , Weisshaar, Elke (Author) , Wiegmann, Henning (Author) , Apfelbacher, Christian (Author) , Kim, Brian S. (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 2026
In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Year: 2026, Volume: 40, Issue: 1, Pages: 59-66
ISSN:1468-3083
DOI:10.1111/jdv.20851
Online Access:Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.20851
Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jdv.20851
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Author Notes:Sonja Ständer, Martin Schmelz, Ethan Lerner, Hiroyuki Murota, Leigh Nattkemper, Adam Reich, Lea-Sophie Stahl, Gil Yosipovitch, Elke Weisshaar, Henning Wiegmann, Christian Apfelbacher, Brian S. Kim
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Summary:Background The definition of pruritus (synonym: itch) dates back to the 17th century and does not address the complexity of the sensation or the nature of pruritus as a disease. Objective Elaborate a new definition of pruritus comprising emotional aspects, stages and causal attributes. Methods In a pre-Delphi phase, stakeholders from pruritus-relevant global societies and patients elaborated itch definition proposals. In a Delphi phase, consensus was achieved when ≥75% of the voting participants agreed (7-9 Likert scale rating range) on a statement. Results In two Delphi rounds, two statements defining the itch sensation and nine defining chronic pruritus as a disease achieved consensus. The definition of pruritus as an unpleasant sensation commonly triggering an urge to scratch mentions that external or internal factors can trigger, worsen, or improve pruritus. Chronic pruritus is described as a symptom of diseases but also as an independent disease. The definition of chronic pruritus includes temporal, physiological, causal, and quality of life aspects. Conclusions The new definition of pruritus allows the sensation to be separated from a disease state and aims to support practical use, including communication with patients, health authorities, and other stakeholders.
Item Description:Erstmals veröffentlicht: 17. Juli 2025
Gesehen am 22.09.2025
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1468-3083
DOI:10.1111/jdv.20851

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