Brachioradial pruritus

Brachioradial pruritus (sometimes abbreviated BRP) is an intense itching sensation of the arm usually between the wrist and elbow of either or both arms.[1]:36 The itch can be so intense that sufferers will scratch their own skin to a bleeding condition.

The condition is becoming increasingly common, presenting in patients who are usually fair skinned and middle aged and indulge in golf, tennis, outdoor table tennis, sailing, or other leisure outdoor activities in sunny climates.[1]:64[2]:402

The cause is not known, although there are a few lines of thought on what causes it. No cure has been found, but good control with near 100% relief can be achieved. The intense itch/scratch cycle can be broken by applying a topical skin coolant gel like Biofreeze (or a substance containing menthol, camphor or other topical coolant) to affected itchy areas, and then consistently applying 100+SPF sunscreen to affected skin of arms, shoulders, neck, etc., whenever they are expected to be exposed to the sun. When combined, these treatments can bring almost full relief.

Many different medications and types of topical creams have been experimented with, but none seem to make any difference, except for the above. The application of ice packs to the affected area can also diminish the itch short-term.

Causes

Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) is a localized pruritus of the dorsolateral aspect of the arm. BRP is an enigmatic condition with a controversial cause; some authors consider BRP to be a photodermatosis, whereas other authors attribute BRP to compression of cervical nerve roots.

BRP may be attributed to a neuropathy, such as chronic cervical radiculopathy. The possibility of an underlying neuropathy should be considered in the evaluation and treatment of all patients with BRP.

The main cause of BRP is not known, but there is evidence to suggest that BRP may arise in the nervous system. Cervical spine disease may also be an important contributing factor.

Patients with BRP may have underlying cervical spine pathology. Whether this association is causal or coincidental remains to be determined.

There is controversy regarding the cause of brachioradial pruritus: is it caused by a nerve compression in the cervical spine or is it caused by a prolonged exposure to sunlight?

In many patients, itching of the arms or shoulders is seasonal. Some patients reported neck pain.

BRP can be linked to the thyroid.

Treatments

Symptom management may include the topical application of lidocaine or capsaicin, cervical traction, and good hygiene practices.

Treatment with lamotrigine has been reported.[3] Treatment by acupuncture has been reported.[4]

See also
  • List of cutaneous conditions

References
  1. James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
  2. Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-138076-0.
  3. Crevits, L. (2006). "Brachioradial pruritus—A peculiar neuropathic disorder". Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery. 108 (8): 803–5. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2005.12.001. PMID 16423451.
  4. Stellon, Anthony (2002). "Neurogenic pruritus: an unrecognised problem? A retrospective case series of treatment by acupuncture". Acupuncture in Medicine. 20 (4): 186–90. doi:10.1136/aim.20.4.186. PMID 12512793.

Further reading
  • Walcyk, Patricia J.; Elpern, D.J. (1986). "Brachioradial pruritus: a tropical dermopathy". British Journal of Dermatology. 115 (2): 177–80. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1986.tb05714.x. PMID 3741783.
  • Orton, D.I.; Wakelin, S.H.; George, S.A. (1996). "Brachioradial photopruritus - a rare chronic photodermatosis in Europe". British Journal of Dermatology. 135 (3): 486–7. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.1996.d01-1030.x. PMID 8949453.
  • Dermatology 1977;195:414-5.
  • Brachioradial Pruritus at eMedicine
  • Veien, Niels K.; Hattel, Thais; Laurberg, Grete; Spaun, Eva (2001). "Brachioradial pruritus". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 44 (4): 704–5. doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.112912. PMID 11260554.
  • Henry JB. Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. Twentieth Edition. WB Saunders. 2001.
  • Rosai J. Ackerman's Surgical Pathology. Ninth Edition. Mosby 2004.
  • Sternberg S. Diagnostic Surgical Pathology. Fourth Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2004.
  • Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. Seventh Edition. WB Saunders 2005.
  • DeMay RM. The Art and Science of Cytopathology. Volume 1 and 2. ASCP Press. 1996.
  • Weedon D. Weedon's Skin Pathology Second Edition. Churchill Livingstone. 2002
  • Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 5th Edition. McGraw-Hill. 1999.
  • Weiss SW and Goldblum JR. Enzinger and Weiss's Soft Tissue Tumors. Fourth Edition. Mosby 2001.
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