The subjective sensation of itch is a complex emotional experience depending on a variety of factors. Comparing different pruritic skin diseases, quantity and quality of perceived pruritus show clinical peculiarities. The multidimensional Eppendorf Itch Questionnaire (EIQ) was used to evaluate the itch in patients suffering from atopic eczema (AE) and chronic urticaria (CU).

The EIQ comprises qualitative and emotional descriptors, a visual analog scale (VAS) and topographic items. It was presented to patients with AE (n=62) and CU (n=58) diagnosed in a university dermatology department. EIQ ratings in 127 items were compared by the Chi²-test, obtaining group-specific data.

The mean VAS ratings of itch intensity showed no significant difference between the two diseases (74.5 ± 2.6% in AE vs. 75.1 ± 2.4% in CU). In contrast, the total EIQ score was significantly higher in the AE group with 231.7 ± 11.6 vs. 175.2 ± 9.5. In 34 of 127 items, a significantly different, thus group-specific rating was obtained, mostly with higher ratings for affective (e.g. “torturing”, “compulsive”) and some sensory (e.g. “increased in warmth”, “pricking”) items. Significant differences were also seen for the scratch response.

Itch perception in AE and CU showed differences on a qualitative level, influencing items relevant for quality of life. AE patients perceived a higher impact of pruritus on emotional scales. Group-specific peculiarities not measurable with VAS were mirrored by the EIQ scores, an important step contributing to the validation of the EIQ for different pruritic skin diseases.