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. 2013 Jan 31;3(1):3-6.
doi: 10.5826/dpc.0301a02. Print 2013 Jan.

Notalgia paresthetica: the unreachable itch

Carolyn Ellis  1
Affiliations

Notalgia paresthetica: the unreachable itch

Carolyn Ellis. Dermatol Pract Concept. .

Abstract

Background: Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a very common, under-recognized condition characterized by pruritus in a unilateral, dermatomal distribution in the mid-back. Chronic pruritus is sometimes accompanied by pain, paresthesias, or altered sensation to touch.

Objectives: To review the current literature with regards to the cause of NP and its most appropriate treatment.

Methods: Comprehensive literature review using PubMed to inspect the available data on NP.

Results: The most likely cause of NP is cutaneous nerve damage. Many therapies have been tried in the treatment of NP, mostly in small case studies.

Conclusions: The published cases and studies suggest symptoms of NP are due to a cutaneous sensory neuropathy. Treatments addressing the condition as such are more successful than traditional itch therapies. In many cases, a simple explanation for the persistent pruritus is satisfactory for patients. For very distressing cases, therapy should address the condition as a benign sensory neuropathy. Further studies are needed to evaluate which treatments have the greatest potential for providing symptom relief.

Keywords: backscratcher; cutaneous neuropathy; neuropathic itch; notalgia paresthetica; pruritus.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(A) The symptomatic area medial to the patient’s left scapula is visible as a hyperpigmented patch. (B) The hyperpigmented patch is highlighted on the patient’s mid-back. [Copyright: ©2013 Ellis.]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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