Table 1.

Summary of measurements of pruritus in the literature

Uni-dimensional scale

Visual analogue scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS), and verbal rating scale (VRS)

Multi-dimensional scales

5D itch scale, four-item questionnaire, itch severity scale, pruritus grading system

Measurement of scratching episodes  Measurement of limb movements

Imaging of brain activity

Measurement of itch threshold

Scales assessing the psychosocial condition of the patient related to itch  ItchQoL, Dermatology Life Quality Index and Beck’s Depression Inventory