Comparing Itch Intensity Markers for Atopic Dermatitis

Recent research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology built on previous studies indicating an association between atopic dermatitis (AD) disease severity and cytokine levels. A team of researchers from Germany conducted the study, and they explained that their goal was to analyze and compare the effectiveness of various validated itch instruments used in AD care with blood cytokine profiles.

The authors highlighted that itch intensity contributes significantly to symptom burden in AD. They used “heterogeneous datasets” from clinical trials that used validated itch instruments to explore their association with blood cytokine profiles. A total of 49 adult patients with severe AD and severe itch intensity were included in the study and received treatment with 300 mg dupilumab for 16 weeks.

Investigators assessed itch intensity and quality of life at baseline and after treatment using a variety of assessment instruments. They also gathered peripheral blood samples for “cytokine profiling” at baseline and after treatment. According to the results, the itch intensity measurement instruments showed “comparable responsiveness, irrespective of their dimension.” Despite this finding, the authors reported that numerical rating scales yielded higher scores than the “visual analog scale.” After patients completed treatment, the investigators reported that markers such as CCL26, IL-2R, B-cell-activating factor, and macrophage-derived chemokine significantly decreased and were associated with itch intensity and quality-of-life scores.

Reflecting on the results, the study authors recommended that healthcare professionals use a single validated itch instrument for patients with AD but underscored that “all validated itch intensity scales are suitable for routine clinical use.” “The observed correlations between cytokine levels and itch scales suggest their potential as markers of disease burden in atopic dermatitis,” investigators concluded.

References Witte F, et al. J Invest Dermatol . 2026;146(10):2812-2818.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2026.04.005