ItchyQuant: Numeric Scale for Itch

Application

Self-reported numeric rating scale for determining the severity of itch.

Key Benefits

Incorporates cartoons, making assessment easier to administer.
May determine severity of itchiness in pediatric population.

Market Summary

Itch (also known as pruritus) is an uncomfortable, irritating condition that involves any part of the body and creates the urge to scratch. Itchiness can have a wide variety of causes, including psychiatric diseases, allergic reactions, and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin (xerosis). Numeric scales are used in adult patients to determine the severity of a condition, such as itch or pain. However, this scale may not be suitable for children or people with cognitive issues.

Technical Summary

Emory doctors have developed a self-reported numeric rating scale to determine the severity of itchiness. The scale incorporates cartoons to help depict the various itch-states. Incorporating cartoons allows the numeric scale to be used in pediatric populations as well as populations for which communication may be difficult.