Patient Buzz: The Staph-Itch Connection | The Expert Weighs In
HealthCentral recently highlighted new research out of Harvard Medical School on the role of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in itch. Researchers found S. aureus can trigger itch in mice and human cells through communication with sensory neurons.
For an expert’s take, I reached out to Gil Yosipovitch, MD, professor, Stiefel Chair of Medical Dermatology and director of the Miami Itch Center …
HealthCentral recently highlighted new research out of Harvard Medical School on the role of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in itch. Researchers found S. aureus can trigger itch in mice and human cells through communication with sensory neurons.
For an expert’s take, I reached out to Gil Yosipovitch, MD, professor, Stiefel Chair of Medical Dermatology and director of the Miami Itch Center … Continue reading "Patient Buzz: The Staph-Itch Connection | The Expert Weighs In"
Mastocytosis is a group of disorders characterized by the pathologic accumulation of mast cells in various tissues. One example of mastocytosis is urticaria pigmentosa, which presents with mastocytomas that can cause hives and, when irritated, pruritus. To the authors' knowledge, they are describing the first case of urticaria pigmentosa without pruritus. The patient had a positive Darier' … 
It’s an exciting time for new therapies in atopic dermatitis with several therapies recently approved or in late-stage development. Next Steps in Derm, in partnership with ODAC Dermatology, Aesthetic & Surgical Conference, interviewed Baltimore dermatologist Dr. Shawn Kwatra, who outlined the new treatment options. From therapies that target IL-13 and IL-31 to JAK inhibitors, dermatology cl … 
An increased level of which of the following proteins is most implicated in the pathogenesis of pruritus in the patient’s condition?
A. Defensin
B. Histamine
C. Interleukin-2
D. Interleukin-31
E. Transforming growth factor-beta
To find out the correct answer and read the explanation, click here.
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A healthy 50-year-old patient presents with three-month history of progressive hair loss and scalp redness with associated pruritus. On closer scalp examination, there is perifollicular erythema, inflammation, and scaling. There appears to be loss of follicular openings in the erythematous patch. In addition, erythematous and skin-colored papules are present throughout the forehead. Of note, t …