Chronic prurigo simplex, also known as prurigo, is a skin disease characterized by wheal-like papules and small nodules as primary lesions, accompanied by intense cutaneous pruritus. The cause of the disease remains unclear, but it is generally believed to be related to allergic reactions, as well as insect bites, pathogen infections, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine disorders, and neuropsychiatric factors. Clinically, it is typically classified into childhood prurigo and adult prurigo.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. The skin lesions are commonly found on the extensor surfaces of the limbs, waist, and buttocks, often symmetrically distributed, and may appear in batches;
2. The lesions manifest as wheals, wheal-like papules, flat or round papules ranging from mung bean to soybean size, firm small nodules, with dark red or reddish-brown coloration;
3. The course is chronic and recurrent, accompanied by intense itching; repeated scratching may lead to secondary lesions such as excoriations, blood crusts, pigmentation, and lichenification.
4. Some patients may experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue, headache, insomnia, and gastrointestinal dysfunction.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. Skin lesions are prone to occur on the extensor surfaces of the limbs, waist, and buttocks;
2. Initially, the lesions manifest as wheals or wheal-like papules. After the wheal-like redness and swelling subside, papules and small nodules appear, scattered and symmetrically distributed without merging. Repeated scratching may lead to secondary changes;
3. Severe itching is present, and the course is chronic with recurrent episodes.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

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1. Identify possible disease causes and treat the primary condition;
2. Administer oral antihistamines, or alternatively use procaine intravenous block or intravenous calcium agents and sodium thiosulfate;
3. For severe cases, short-term oral corticosteroids may be used;
4. Apply topical antipruritic agents or corticosteroid creams or ointments.

1. Generally, administer 1–2 types of oral antihistamines and apply topical antipruritic agents or corticosteroid creams or ointments;
2. For severe cases, procaine intravenous block or intravenous calcium agents and sodium thiosulfate may be used, or short-term oral corticosteroids can be administered.

bubble_chart Cure Criteria

1. Cure: Rash subsides, cutaneous pruritus disappears;
2. Improvement: Rash reduces, cutaneous pruritus alleviates;
3. No cure: Skin lesions show no change.