A Case of Intractable Postherpetic Itch.
- Author:
Joon Hong MIN
1
;
Ji Hye PARK
;
Chong Won CHOI
;
Ga Young LEE
;
Soo Hong PARK
;
Won Serk KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. gylee0716@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Gabapentin;
Neuropathic itch;
Postherpetic itch
- MeSH:
Amines;
Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids;
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid;
Herpes Zoster;
Humans;
Neuralgia, Postherpetic;
Pruritus;
Sensation;
Skin;
Skin Diseases
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2012;50(4):337-340
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Herpes zoster is an infective skin disease that is encountered commonly in dermatologic field. The best known complication of herpes zoster is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Also, many patients with herpes zoster experience neuropathic itch with or without pain. Those postherpetic itches (PHI) are rare, but some patients injure themselves by scratching skin with severe itching sensation, and with the loss of the protective sensation. So, PHI should be considered when evaluating a patient after an occurance of herpes zoster. Gabapentin has been successfully used to treat PHI in some cases. We report a case of postherpetic itch that has been successfully treated with gabapentin, as an unusual clinical presentation.
