Itch in psoriasis: central processing and the effect of levocetirizine
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Itch in psoriasis: central processing and the effect of levocetirizine - an exploratory pilot study
IRAS ID
193316
Contact name
Elise Kleyn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2% of the population. Itch is reported to be the most frequent and bothersome symptom in patients with psoriasis, and has an impact on a patients’ quality of life comparable to that of pain. Itch treatment during flares of psoriasis is often dissatisfying as the anti-inflammatory treatment relieves itch with a delay of weeks to months. Itch perception and the way in which patients cope with their symptoms are known to be different in psoriasis compared to patients with other itchy dermatoses. Hence, the brains’ (“central”) processing of itch might be different in psoriasis patients as well. In contrast to other itchy dermatoses, central itch processing in psoriasis has not been investigated so far. This is the first study to address this clinically relevant “black box”. Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) allows us to make central itch processing visible. Insights into this processing will inform the development of prospects for better treatment in psoriasis patients affected with itch.
Antihistamines are drugs commonly used to relieve itch in other diseases such as atopic eczema or certain allergies.There are some indications from the medical literature that they might reduce itch in psoriasis as well. However, the effect of antihistamines in psoriasis have not been examined in clinical studies.
In this study we investigate the effect of levocetirizine (a antihistamine) as an add-on treatment in psoriasis patients with intense itch. Thereby, we hope to elucidate, if antihistamines relieve itch in psoriasis patients.
To summarize, this study includes two aspects of clinical relevance: how the the feeling of itch is generated by the brain (study arm A) and if levocetirizine might help bothered patients, who feel itchy (study arm B).REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0320
Date of REC Opinion
17 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion