6 common signs of prurigo nodularis
Prurigo nodularis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, firm, and itchy bumps on the skin called “nodules”. The bumps generally develop in easy-to-scratch areas such as the arms, legs, back, and abdomen. They are accompanied by an uncontrollable urge to scratch, leading to more inflammation. This article explores some of the common signs of prurigo nodularis to help in recognizing the condition and seeking medical intervention in time.
Itchy skin
Skin can begin to feel itchy and irritated before the bumps appear. This symptom may be long-lasting or limited to short episodes. The area where the itching develops may vary; for instance, for some, it may be restricted to a certain body part, while for others, it may affect most of their skin.
Burning or stinging sensation
Some may even experience a stinging or burning sensation instead of itching as a sign of prurigo nodularis. On rare occasions, people have also said that they have experienced a feeling akin to bugs crawling on their skin.
Itchy bumps (nodules)
As the common signs of prurigo nodularis lead to repeated scratching and rubbing, raised, itchy nodules start to develop. These generally appear on both sides of the body about 6 weeks after the itching or burning sensation sets in. These bumps may be different for everyone, but generally have the following characteristics:
Shape: The bumps may cause the appearance of dome-shaped lesions.
Size: The lesions could be 0.5 to 2 centimeters in diameter.
Texture: The bumps are generally firm and may appear above, below, or level with the surface of the skin.
Color: The rash may match the skin tone or be pink, red, brown, or black. Once healed, the lesion may also leave behind a skin discoloration.
Distribution: One can have anywhere between a few to hundreds of lesions across the body.