A novel pharmacological treatment strategy for chronic itching associated with notalgia paresthetica. A case report

Background

Notalgia paresthetica is a chronic sensory neuropathy characterized by localized pruritus and associated dysesthesias. There exists no definitive treatment for the disease to date. Here we report a novel concept of dopaminergic treatment in a female patient with chronic itching due to a probably hereditary form of notalgia paresthetica. Case Presentation: We describe a 76-year-old female patient suffering from severely distressing notalgia paraesthetica. Here, itching occurred mainly during the cold season in the area medial to the left scapula. Notably the patient’s mother, uncle and cousin were also affected by the disease. Low dose treatment with levodopa 50 mg combined with benserazide 12.5 mg per day significantly reduced itching with additionally alleviating the compulsive urge to scratch.