Itch intensity and characteristics in fibromyalgia patients in an outpatient rheumatology clinic

Abstract

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disease characterized by chronic widespread pain and tenderness for at least 3 months and is associated with various dermatologic symptoms including itch. This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of itch in female FM patients and whether or not it correlated to their pain. Our data revealed that 60% of FM patients in an outpatient rheumatology clinic suffered from chronic itch. Itch intensity had no correlation with pain intensity, but it was associated with both sleep disturbance and quality of life impairment. Also, itch intensity had no correlation with the intake of gamma aminobutyric acidergic or antidepressant drugs.