Brachioradial pruritus - an enigmatic entity

Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) is an unusual clinical entity resulting in pruritus of the upper arms, classically affecting the skin overlying the proximal heads of the brachioradialis muscles. Seven patients with BRP are described. The upper limb was involved in six patients, being bilateral in four and restricted to the right arm in two. Radiological evidence of cervical vertebral osteoarthritis was seen in five. Three patients reported exacerbation with ultraviolet radiation (UVR), i.e., sunlight. All seven were treated with topical capsaicin and four got significant relief. Two of the remaining three patients found relief from amitryptiline. UVR may act as a trigger in some patients although underlying neurological cervical injury also seems to be an important aetiological factor.