Prurigo Nodularis
Pronunciation: proo-RY-go nod-yoo-LAR-is
A chronic, intensely pruritic skin condition characterised by firm, dome-shaped nodules distributed symmetrically, typically on the extremities.
Full Definition
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic neuroimmune skin disorder presenting with hyperkeratotic, excoriated nodules that arise from repetitive scratching in response to severe itch. The pathophysiology involves altered cutaneous nerve fibres, mast cell activation, and a Th2/Th22-skewed inflammatory response similar to atopic dermatitis. PN is classified in ICD-11 and has gained regulatory significance since targeted therapies (e.g., dupilumab, nemolizumab) have been approved or are under review for this indication. Editors should not confuse this with 'nodular prurigo' (an older, less preferred synonym) or with 'keratoacanthoma', which may look similar.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'prurigo nodularis' over 'nodular prurigo' in current clinical and regulatory documents; the former is the ICD-11-aligned preferred term.
In Context
- "Dupilumab demonstrated significant reduction in itch and nodule count in patients with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis." — Clinical trial abstract
- "The manuscript alternated between 'prurigo nodularis' and 'nodular prurigo'; the editor standardized to the ICD-11-preferred term throughout." — Terminology standardisation note