Pruritus

Pruritus refers to the *unpleasant sensation that provokes the desire to scratch the skin*. It is a symptom, not a molecular entity. Pruritus can be caused by a wide range of conditions including dry skin, allergic reactions, skin disorders (e.g., eczema, psoriasis), internal diseases (e.g., liver or kidney disease), certain medications, and sometimes underlying systemic illnesses such as diabetes or cancer[1][3][5][7]. Biologically, pruritus is mediated by the activation of peripheral sensory nerve fibers, which transmit itch signals to the central nervous system through complex neural pathways, and is amplified by mediators such as **histamine**, **cytokines (e.g., IL-31)**, **proteinase-activated receptors (PAR2)**, **TRP (transient receptor potential) channels**, and **opioid receptors**[2][4][6][7]. Therapies for pruritus are designed to address underlying causes or modulate signaling mechanisms but do not target "pruritus" directly as a molecule or receptor. Key points: - **Pruritus** is *not* a specific molecule, protein, or receptor and therefore cannot be directly targeted like "histamine receptor" or "IL-31 receptor," though these and other molecules are implicated in its mechanisms[2][4][6]. - Treatments for pruritus often involve antihistamines, corticosteroids, emollients, drugs targeting IL-31/IL-31Rα axis, or modulators of opioid or neuropeptide signaling[4][7]. For structured target data, "Pruritus" should be considered an *incorrect* entry if used as a drug target or receptor. If the intention is to describe molecular targets involved in pruritus, examples include: - **Histamine H1 receptor (H1R)** - **Interleukin-31 receptor alpha (IL-31Rα)** - **Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2)** - **Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1)** - **Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)** - **Opioid receptors (mu, kappa)** These represent canonical molecule/receptor targets *involved in pruritus*, but "Pruritus" itself should not be used as a target name[2][4][6][7].

Other names

ItchItchy skinChronic itch