The European Prurigo Project (EPP)
About:
Goals:
Chronic prurigo is characterized by multiple itchy nodules on the skin. Although this condition greatly affects the individuals who suffer from it, it is still a relatively unexplored area in the medical world. More knowledge is needed regarding its frequency, clinical profile, underlying causes, treatment and economic burden. Additionally, there is still a lack of agreement regarding the definition, classification and terminology of this disease.
A group of experts from the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology's (EADV) special interest group, the Task Force Pruritus (TFP), developed the European Prurigo Project (EPP) with the following goals in mind:

  • To achieve an expert consensus on the definition, classification and terminology of chronic prurigo
  • To gather data on the frequency and prevalence of chronic prurigo in Europe
  • To define the clinical profile of chronic prurigo: age, gender, underlying causes for the itch, comorbidities, co-medication, itch and pain characteristics and disease burden (quality of life)
  • To analyze which therapies are used throughout Europe and their efficacy
  • To characterize the economic burden of chronic prurigo on individual patients
  • To achieve an expert consensus on recommendations for the best casual and supportive therapy
Consensus Conference –
Redefining Chronic Prurigo
Experts from the TFP gathered together on February 3rd, 2017 in Münster, Germany
for a consensus conference on the definition of chronic prurigo:
Chronic prurigo is a distinct disease defined by the presence of chronic pruritus, history or signs of prolonged scratching and multiple pruriginous skin lesions.
A detailed paper on its definition, classification and terminology will be published soon.
Recent News:
Multi-center study: The newest EPP study will soon begin at several European centers. Patients with chronic prurigo will be asked to fill out a questionnaire on various aspects of the disease.