Addressing Unmet Needs in Prurigo Nodularis: Expert Canadian Dermatology Perspectives

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a distinct chronic, inflammatory, neuroimmune‐mediated skin condition characterized by pruritic, often symmetrically distributed nodules, papules, and/or plaques. Recognition of PN as a distinct entity is complicated by the absence of a precise disease definition, uncertain epidemiologic estimates, and limited assessments of disease burden. The aim of this review is to provide a critical overview of global epidemiologic data of PN and current disease definitions. The available diagnostic criteria and assessment tools to determine disease severity for PN are examined. The psychosocial and healthcare burden of PN is also reviewed. Finally, other prevailing shortcomings in this therapeutic area are discussed, including the need for a standardized treatment algorithm for PN using currently available therapies, a greater understanding of disease pathophysiology, and the development of new targeted therapies for PN.