Brachioradial pruritus: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Brachioradial pruritus is an enigmatic pruritic sensation that characteristically involves the proximal lateral forearm of middle-aged women residing in tropical to temperate climates. There are often no associated cutaneous signs. The pathophysiology has been debated but is believed to involve UV radiation and/or cervical spine disease. We present a patient with brachioradial pruritus and a review of the literature. Brachioradial pruritus should be suspected in patients with intractable pruritus overlying the brachioradialis muscle of the forearm that is recalcitrant to standard therapies. These patients commonly report a history of chronic solar damage and/or cervical spine disease.