Cutaneous symptoms of dermatomyositis significantly impact patients' quality of life.

Background: Dermatomyositis affects visible skin and causes disease symptoms that can affect patients' quality of life (QOL).

Methods: In all, 71 patients with dermatomyositis or dermatomyositis sine myositis completed two QOL measures (the Skindex-16 and the Dermatology Life Quality Index) and a visual analog scale for pruritus. Disease severity was assessed by Physician's Global Assessment.

Practical guidelines for relief of itch.

Itch is the major symptom in, skin diseases with a variety of etiologies. Recent progress has been achieved in understanding the pathophysiology of itch in skin diseases. There are many) topical therapies availablte/for managingp ruritus.

Mirtazapine for reducing nocturnal itch in patients with chronic pruritus: a pilot study.

Nocturnal pruritus is a significant problem for patients with inflammatory skin diseases and many systemic diseases. The oral therapies currently available have a limited effect. We present an open, uncontrolled pilot study of 3 patients with inflammatory skin diseases and severe nocturnal pruritus who underwent treatment with mirtazapine (Remeron), a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant.