Review article

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2018.57.04.14

Notalgia Paresthetica

Mirna Šitum ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Maja Kolić ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Nika Franceschi ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Marko Pećina ; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Notalgia paresthetica is a common, although under-recognized condition characterized by localized chronic pruritus in the upper back, most often affecting middle-aged women. Apart from pruritus, patients may present with a burning or cold sensation, tingling, surface numbness, tenderness and foreign body sensation. Additionally, patients often present with hyperpigmented skin at the site of symptoms. The etiology of this condition is still poorly understood, although a number of hypotheses have been described. It is widely accepted that notalgia paresthetica is a sensory neuropathy caused by alteration and damage to posterior rami of thoracic spinal nerves T2 through T6. To date, no well-defined treatment has been found, although many treatment modalities have been reported with varying success, usually providing only temporary relief.

Keywords

Pruritus; Notalgia; Paresthesia; Hyperesthesia

Hrčak ID:

217833

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/217833

Publication date:

1.12.2018.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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