ABSTRACT
Atopic eczema (atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome, neurodermatitis) is one of the most pruritic skin diseases. In fact, itch is an essential diagnostical feature of atopic eczema (in association with the markedly better characterized criteria: age-related eczematous appearance and localization, history and clinical signs of atopy, and IgE-mediated sensitization) (1). Often, the itch is the first symptom ofeczema relapse of this chronic disorder. In severe cases of atopic dermatitis, patients scratch the involved skin areas until bleeding excoriations result. Nocturnal prolonged scratching is also very frequent and causes sleep loss.
