Testing how pain affects itch perception

Repetitive Applications of Pruritogens and Effects of a Cutaneous-induced Pain Stimulation on Nonhistaminergic Itch Perception

NA · Aalborg University · NCT06185582

This study tests if feeling pain at the same time as an itch can help people feel less itchy and looks at how the location of the pain affects this feeling.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorAalborg University (other)
Locations1 site (Aalborg)
Trial IDNCT06185582 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This experiment investigates whether applying a painful stimulus simultaneously with an itchy stimulus can reduce the perception of itch. The study will explore the effects of pain location on itch sensitivity, comparing responses when pain is applied to the same forearm as the itch versus the opposite forearm. The researchers aim to understand the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of specific interneurons in modulating itch perception. Participants will receive a treatment involving Cowhage to induce itch during the experiment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 18-60 who can speak and understand English.

Not a fit: Patients with skin diseases, neurological disorders, or those currently using medications that affect the trial will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new strategies for managing chronic itch conditions by utilizing pain modulation.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of pain inhibiting itch is known, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy men and women
* 18-60 years
* Speak and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or lactation
* Drug addiction defined as any use of cannabis, opioids, or other addictive drugs
* Previous or current history of neurological (e.g. neuropathy), immunological (e.g. asthma, immune deficiencies, arthritis) musculoskeletal (e.g. muscular pain in the upper extremities,), cardiac disorder, or mental illnesses that may affect the results
* Lack of ability to cooperate
* Current use of medications that may affect the trial such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and pain killers, as well as systemic or topical steroids
* Skin diseases (e.g. atopic dermatitis, pruritus nodularis, eczema, psoriasis)
* Moles, scars, or tattoos in the area to be treated or tested.
* Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these
* Acute or chronic pain
* Participation in other trials within one week of study entry (four weeks in the case of pharmaceutical trials)

Where this trial is running

Aalborg

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pain, Burning, Capsaicin

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.