Clémence Briand, Greta Gourier, Florence Poizeau, Lamia Jelti, Marie Bachelerie, Gaëlle Quéreux, Géraldine Jeudy, Marie Acquitter, Saskia Ingen-Housz-Oro, Frédéric Caux, Catherine Prost, Anne-Sophie Darrigade, Diane Heron Mermin, Emmanuel Mahé, Catherine Picart Dahan, Marie-Aleth Richard, Caroline Jade Clerc, Camille Salle de Chou, Julie Plée, Claire Abasq-Thomas, Laurent Misery, Emilie Brenaut
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3683

Pruritus is a common symptom of bullous pemphigoid (BP), but has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of pruritus in patients with BP and its impact on their quality of life. A multicentre prospective observational study (in 15 French hospitals) was performed. A total of 60 patients were included, with a mean age of 77.4 years. Pruritus occurred daily in 85% of patients, with a mean pruritus intensity of 5.2/10. Tingling sensations were present in 72.4% of patients and burning sensations in 68.9%. Pruritus was exacerbated by stress, fatigue and xerosis. The mean ItchyQol score was 56.2/110 and the mean 5-D Itch Scale score was 16.5/25. The severity of pruritus was not related to age, sex, BP activity score, eosinophilia, or anti-BP230 and anti-BP180 autoantibodies. This study revealed that pruritus in BP is poorly tolerated and is an important cause of impaired quality of life.

Pruritus is a major symptom of bullous pemphigoid, but has been poorly studied. This study provides data on pruritus in bullous pemphigoid. Pruritus occurred daily in 85% of patients, with a mean pruritus intensity of 5.2/10. A majority of patients reported associated sensations, such as sensations of tingling, burning and pain. Patient’s quality of life was greatly altered by pruritus. Dermatologists must take this observation into account and propose symptomatic treatments for pruritus if bullous pemphigoid treatment is not adequately effective against this symptom.