In his statement, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Metin, Head of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at PAU Hospitals, said: “On the occasion of World Prurigo Day, we aim to raise awareness about chronic prurigo and prurigo nodularis, conditions that are often seen as a simple complaint in society but can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Chronic prurigo is a chronic skin disease characterized by intense itching that may last for weeks, months, or even years. As a result of scratching, raised, hard, crusted, and often scar-forming lesions develop on the skin. This is one of the most common forms of the disease, and the lesions are usually nodular in nature. This condition is not only a skin problem; it is now known to arise from a complex interaction between the skin, immune system, and nervous system. Severe itching triggers scratching, scratching leads to new wounds, and new wounds further increase itching, creating a vicious cycle. When this cycle is not broken, the disease becomes chronic and significantly reduces quality of life. Its most prominent feature is severe and persistent itching. It may increase especially at night and disrupt sleep patterns. Patients may also experience burning, stinging, pain, and sensitivity. Skin lesions caused by long-lasting itching may eventually lead to permanent scarring and may occur together with atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and certain neurological diseases. It may also cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and social isolation. Therefore, not only skin findings but also the overall health status of patients should be evaluated in a holistic manner.”

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Metin: “Itching is sometimes not just a symptom, but the voice of a serious underlying disease.”

“Treatment aims to reduce itching, break the scratching cycle, and improve quality of life. Various options are available, ranging from moisturizers and topical treatments to phototherapy, immunomodulatory drugs, and new-generation biological therapies. Recently developed targeted therapies offer significant hope for these patients. Patients are advised to use moisturizers regularly, avoid skin-irritating practices, keep their nails short, and continue follow-ups in accordance with dermatology specialists’ recommendations. It should be remembered that this disease is not contagious and is not caused by poor personal hygiene,” Prof. Dr. Ahmet Metin said, continuing: “Long-lasting itching and nodular skin lesions resulting from scratching should not be neglected, and dermatology specialists should definitely be consulted. Let us take chronic itching seriously, avoid blaming patients, and improve quality of life together through early diagnosis and proper treatment.”