Pruritus/Itching

Profound Impact of Itching

• Quality of Life Perspective:
  A study highlighted in your review found that some women with VLS would choose to take years off their lives rather than endure the intense, unrelenting itching caused by the condition (Krapf et al., 2020).
  This reflects the severity of pruritus, which is not merely a physical sensation but an overwhelming factor that dominates daily life, affecting sleep, work, and social activities.

• Comparisons to Other Chronic Conditions:
  The psychological toll of persistent itching in VLS rivals that of other chronic conditions like intractable pain or migraines. Wilson et al. (2018) emphasized that the distress caused by this symptom is comparable to chronic pain syndromes, underscoring the need for aggressive symptom management.

• Clinical Implications:
  The debilitating nature of pruritus makes it a priority in VLS treatment plans. Krapf et al. (2020) recommended a multimodal approach combining topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and psychological interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients cope with the severity of the itching and its associated distress. ​