Abstract
During the last years, itch research has made much progress as well as pain research. Although the sensations of itch and pain, that share many common features, are necessary for us as nocifensive systems, pathological and chronic pain and itch are intolerable. Nociceptive and pruriceptive C-fibers express various kinds of receptors that are responsive to heat, mechanical and chemical stimuli. Most classical inflammatory mediators have been shown to sensitize both nociceptors and pruriceptors. Much effort has been made to identify itch-specific C-fibers and central transmission system, especially for histamine-mediated itch, while those for atopic dermatitis-induced itch are still obscure. Since there is emerging evidence that similar patterns of peripheral and central sensitization due to plastic neuronal changes occur in persistent pain and itchy conditions, it is most important to relieve patients from pain and itch symptoms as early as possible
