Prurigo nodularis (PN) can have a significant impact on the quality of your life. If you’re living with the disease, here are some ways you can address the challenges associated with the disease.
If you’re curious and want to learn more about PN, read our article.
How is Prurigo Nodularis Treated?
Your dermatologist (skin doctor) will recommend treatment options that will help to stop the itch so that your skin can heal. Based on how your body responds to certain treatments, your doctor may continue to change your treatment regimen and include both non-prescription and prescription options.
The recommended treatments may include one or more of the following options:
- Anti-itch cream to reduce the itching and also soften the bumps (these may be prescription strength or over the counter).
- Anti-inflammatory medication applied directly to your skin.
- Medical tape coated with a steroid that covers itchy bumps. The tape helps your skin absorb more of the steroid. It can also help flatten the bumps, and help keep you from scratching the bumps (nodules).
- Corticosteroid injections are used to help relieve the itch if the bumps don’t go away with other treatments.
- Dupilumab injections are prescription injections approved for PN in adults. It is also approved for other anti-inflammatory conditions.
- Light therapy is used if you need stronger treatment than applying medications directly to your skin or if you have large areas that need to be treated.
For Black people, cryosurgery is not recommended. On darker skin tones, cryosurgery can cause scarring, light spots, or both.2 In non-dark skin, cryosurgery may be an option for those who have unsuccessfully tried other treatments.
Self-Care Tips for Improving Prurigo Nodularis Treatment
Treatment of PN can be difficult, especially if you continue to scratch the itchy nodules. You may have to use multiple types of treatment before you find the best option for you. Be patient with the treatment process.
Though easier said than done, it helps tremendously if you stop scratching, picking, and rubbing the bumps (nodules). When you scratch the nodules and they open, the bumps are more likely to become infected. These self-care tips are focused on minimizing the damage you can do to your skin by scratching:
- Cover the bumps and patches with long-sleeves, pants, or socks. This may help to keep you from scratching the nodules. If you are still scratching through your clothing, you should tell your dermatologist.
- Keep your fingernails short so they do less damage if you scratch your itching skin.
- Consider wearing gloves or mittens to keep you from scratching.
- Be prepared to calm the itch by applying anti-itch lotion, taking an antihistamine at bedtime, or applying a fragrance-free skin softener during the day.
- Use gentle skin care products that are fragrance-free and made especially for sensitive skin. Other products may cause irritation or dryness.
- Be gentle when showering and bathing by avoiding extra rubbing or scrubbing of your skin during cleansing.
- Pay attention to what makes you itch and try to avoid these triggers. They can be heat, cold, sweating, stress, certain detergents, or personal care products.
- Look for signs of skin infection including swelling, a warm or hot feeling, pus leaking from the skin, or pain.
- Keep your scheduled medical appointments so your doctor can stay informed on whether your treatment is working, and if you are having side effects.
Learn more about PN by joining our hair and skin health community.
References:
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US Food and Drug Administration (2022) FDA approves first treatment for prurigo nodularis https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-first-treatment-prurigo-nodularis
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American Academy of Dermatology Association (2024) Prurigo Nodularis: Diagnosis and Treatment https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/prurigo-nodularis-treatment
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