Neuroselective transcutaneous electrical stimulation reveals neuronal sensitization in atopic dermatitis

BackgroundThe neuroselective transcutaneous electrical stimulator (NTES) can provoke itch and/or pain by the application of a 5-Hz alternating current.ObjectiveWe sought to examine whether there is any difference in the perception of the stimulus evoked by the NTES between patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and healthy control subjects.MethodsIn all, 24 healthy control subjects and 24 patients with AD (nonlesional skin) were stimulated on 7 body sites using the NTES. Qualitative differences in the evoked perceptions and quantitative differences in the current intensity required to evoke perception were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe NTES preferentially evoked itch in patients with AD. The current perception threshold was statistically lower in AD than in healthy control subjects on 3 body sites.LimitationsTests were performed on limited body areas.ConclusionWe demonstrated that the NTES can reveal neuronal sensitization to itch in nonlesional atopic skin.