Dermatological Conditions Inducing Acute and Chronic Pain

Pain is a common condition in dermatology. The aim of this review is to analyse the characteristics of pain in dermatology. Some skin diseases are conventionally known to cause pain; e.g. ulcers, pyoderma gangrenosum and herpes zoster. Common dermatoses, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, can also cause significant pain. Some conditions are characterized by neuropathic pain and/or pruritus, without visible primary lesions: e.g. the neurocutaneous diseases, including small fibre neuropathies. Patients often fear pain in skin surgery; however, surgical procedures are rather well tolerated and any pain is mainly due to administration of local anaesthetic. Some therapies may also be uncomfortable for the patient, such as photodynamic therapy or aesthetic procedures. Thus, pain in dermatology is common, and its aetiology and characteristics are very varied. Knowledge of the different situations that cause pain will enable dermatologists to propose suitable analgesic solutions.