The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of lichen simplex: a prospective study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has recently emerged as a possible effective treatment for pruritic dermatoses. Lichen simplex (LS) is one such condition, which may persist despite intensive topical treatments.

AIM:

To investigate the efficacy of TENS treatment in relieving pruritus in lichen simplex.

METHODS:

In total, 22 patients with LS unresponsive to topical corticosteroids underwent TENS treatment. The patients rated the pruritus intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS:

The mean reduction in VAS score from baseline to the end of 4 weeks treatment was 4.50 (95% CI 3.65-5.34) for all patients. The difference between the baseline and at the end of the study was significant (P < 0.01). By the end of the study, 18 (80%) of the subjects experienced a reduction in pruritus intensity of > 50%.

CONCLUSION:

From our clinical observation, we suggest that TENS may prove to be a useful and well-tolerated treatment modality for the treatment of pruritus in patients with LS.

• Authors: B Engin, O Tufekci, A Yazici, M Ozdemir
• Journal: Clinical and experimental dermatology (Clin Exp Dermatol) Vol. 34 Issue 3 Pg. 324-8 (Apr 2009) ISSN: 1365-2230 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19175614 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neurodermatitis (complications, therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Pruritus (etiology, therapy)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (adverse effects, methods)
• Treatment Failure
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult