Characteristics of Pruritus in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis:Clinical, Laboratory, and Histopathologic Analysis
- Author:
Seon Jin KIM
1
;
Dae Won KOO
;
Young Suck RO
;
Joong Sun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2026;64(1):18-27
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Pruritus is the most common symptom of skin diseases. Although the prevalence of pruritus in patients with psoriasis has been reported to be between 60% and 90%, its importance has historically been underestimated. Recently, the number of reported cases in which psoriasis and atopic dermatitis coexist has increased, shedding light on their associations.
Objective:To investigate the factors related to pruritus and compare the clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic findings of patients according to pruritus intensity and psoriasis severity.
Methods:This study involved a retrospective chart review of 139 patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis based on biopsies and laboratory tests. We conducted a comparative analysis of pruritus scores, the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, and histopathologic findings.
Results:PASI and pruritus scores were positively correlated, with itching being more pronounced in women than in men. Patients with severe pruritus showed longer disease duration and higher PASI scores than those with milder pruritus. Patients with more severe psoriasis (PASI≥20) showed elevated total serum immunoglobulin E levels, a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and increased neutrophils in lesional tissue. There was no significant difference in eosinophil count or eosinophilic infiltration between patients with severe and mild pruritus.
Conclusion:Pruritus is associated with psoriasis severity. In this study, we demonstrated an association between pruritus in patients with plaque psoriasis and laboratory markers and histopathologic factors.
