Sex differences in the perception of itch and quality of life in patients with chronic pruritus in the United States

Abstract

Using cross-sectional survey data from 335 patients with chronic itch, we analyzed differences in itch intensity, characteristics, and quality of life between males and females. The intensity of chronic pruritus was significantly greater in females compared with males (7.70 vs. 6.95; P<0.05) and females more often described their pruritus as dreadful, unbearable, hurting, and oppressive (P<0.05). In addition, females achieved a greater overall quality of life mean score compared with males (3.65 vs. 3.19; P<0.05), indicating a more negative impact on quality of life. Overall, our study shows that significant differences exist between females and males with chronic pruritus, and clinicians should be aware of these distinctions.