Work

Prurigo nodularis imitators unmasked

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is characterized by chronic, nodular lesions on the extensor surfaces of the extremities and back. For experienced clinicians, the recognition of this diagnosis is usually not difficult; however, it is essential to consider differential diagnoses and to identify PN imitators. We report five patients with severe chronic pruritus who presented with skin lesions resembling PN. They were treated accordingly but were subsequently diagnosed with a different underlying disease, including nodular marginal zone lymphoma (1 case), delusional parasitosis (1 case), well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas arising among PN lesions (2 cases), and PN-like pemphigus foliaceus (1 case). Critical reassessment of the diagnosis of PN is important to avoid cognitive biases such as the availability bias, anchoring bias, or attribution bias, which could lead to delayed diagnosis of the actual disease, inappropriate treatment, and poorer outcome.

Source: Clinics in Dermatology

DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2025.03.003

Authors: Elisabeth V. Goessinger, Tobias Kliesener, Beda Muehleisen, Oliver Brandt, Simon Mueller

Institution: University Hospital of Basel

Language: English

Topic: Medicine and Dermatology Studies History

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760