Relations between a standardized experimental stressor and cutaneous sensory function in patients with chronic pruritus and healthy controls: an experimental case-control study.

Background: While chronic pruritus (CP) is a frequent symptom, many aspects of its underlying pathophysiological mechanisms still need elucidation. Research on sensory cutaneous function and on the influence of stress has been conducted mainly in patients with atopic dermatitis but is lacking for patients with CP.

Objective: To assess whether a standardized social stressor influences cutaneous sensory function in patients with CP in comparison with healthy controls (HC).