Comparison of perceived itch induced by skin prick-tests with histamine and codeine

Acta Derm Venereol. 2008;88(5):455-7. doi: 10.2340/00015555-0482.

Abstract

The role of personal factors makes it difficult to correlate subjective data, such as those obtained with the use of a visual analogue scale, and objective data, such as a quantity of injected histamine. In this study, prick tests with histamine and codeine on the forearms allowed a coherent variation in itch scores to be obtained over time, with highly significant differences from controls and with a peak at 4 minutes. These tests are therefore valuable for screening anti-pruritic agents. A significant difference between initial scores and scores for new prick tests after 7 days suggest that tachyphylaxis persists.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analgesics, Opioid*
  • Codeine*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Histamine Agonists*
  • Histamine*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pruritus / chemically induced*
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Skin Tests
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Histamine Agonists
  • Histamine
  • Codeine