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Brachioradial pruritus
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Brachioradial pruritus

Contributors: David O'Connell MD, Jason E. Hawkes MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Brachioradial pruritus (BRP), first described as solar pruritus of the elbows (brachioradial summer pruritus), is a chronic recurrent dysesthesia marked by a burning and tingling pruritic sensation. It is commonly localized to the dorsal lateral proximal forearm area, although in some cases, it may spread to involve the more proximal upper arm, shoulder, lower neck, and even the contiguous chest or upper back. It may be unilateral, affecting either arm, but is frequently bilateral. There are no primary lesions, but secondary changes from scratching are often observed.

BRP is a condition of middle age with onset most commonly between 40 and 60 years of age, although cases have been reported as early as adolescence. It tends to affect women more frequently than men, and symptoms are noted to exacerbate in spring and summer in temperate climates.

The underlying cause of BRP is thought to be the result of some perturbation to the cervical nerve roots, specifically a degree of compression of roots in the C3-C7 area, as well as ultraviolet damage, both chronic and acute, to epidermal and dermal nerve fibers.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L29.8 – Other pruritus

SNOMEDCT:
402178001 – Brachioradial pruritus

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Last Reviewed:02/21/2021
Last Updated:04/16/2023
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Patient Information for Brachioradial pruritus
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Contributors: Taylor Williams, Chase W. Kwon MD
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Brachioradial pruritus
A medical illustration showing key findings of Brachioradial pruritus : Bilateral distribution, Burning skin sensation, Pruritus, Upper arms, Forearms
Clinical image of Brachioradial pruritus - imageId=7058582. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Crusted papules on the forearm near the elbow.'
Crusted papules on the forearm near the elbow.
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