This book provides a comprehensive review of the latest advances in translational pain and itch research, and presents the cutting-edge developments in the study of our two principal, yet most mysteries sensations. Despite the slow progress in the discovery of effective therapies for chronic pain and pruritus, scientists around the globe now have a better understanding of why and how these conditions occur. Based on these findings, a series of novel treatment strategies are currently under development, and hopefully in a few years, medical practitioners will become more confident and optimistic when facing patients with these annoying and sometimes severe disorders. The contributing authors are world-renowned research scientists, who have made significant discoveries. The book is of interest to neuroscientists, neurologists and pharmacologists

Inflammation is known worldwide, from the bench to the bedside, but it is a hard theme to approach with one single point of view.In this sense, a selection of translational studies would support the medical-scientific community to better understand the complex network of the inflammatory process, its maintenance, and potential treatment targets. The eleven chapters that compose this book present interesting insights into inflammation and its mechanisms, merging classic background with innovative approaches. From the molecular basis to experimental models, the chapters selected for this book bring to readers at different academic levels updated and practical data on inflammation. Find out what drives interdisciplinary medical research on inflammation and enjoy this informative collection.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is one of the most common and most challenging skin conditions, for patients and practitioners alike. Uniquely organized by intrinsic and extrinsic etiologies, Atopic Dermatitis: Inside Out or Outside In? examines a myriad of causes that start from both the inside of the body and from the external environment, offering physicians practical ways to design treatments that specifically address these causes. Drs. Lawrence S. Chan and Vivian Y. Shi, along with a team of expert contributing authors, examine the etiology of this complex disorder and provide targeted, comprehensive solutions and the most useful therapeutic plans based on pathophysiology, including evidence-based integrative management. - Analyzes the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis from two distinct fronts: inside out and outside in—an approach that is unique in the field. - Begins with an overview of the disease, then delves into both internal and external pathogenic factors, followed by the Clinician's Corner, which offers practical recommendations for treatment. - Organizes therapeutic discussions by corresponding pathophysiology rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. - Covers recently FDA-approved and emerging medications, as well as atopic comorbidities.

Advances in itch research have elucidated differences between itch and pain but have also blurred the distinction between them. There is a long debate about how somatic sensations including touch, pain, itch, and temperature sensitivity are encoded by the nervous system. Research suggests that each sensory modality is processed along a fixed, direct-line communication system from the skin to the brain. Itch: Mechanisms and Treatment presents a timely update on all aspects of itch research and the clinical treatment of itch that accompanies many dermatological conditions including psoriasis, neuropathic itch, cutaneous t-cells lymphomas, and systemic diseases such as kidney and liver disease and cancer. Composed of contributions from distinguished researchers around the world, the book explores topics such as: Neuropathic itch Peripheral neuronal mechanism of itch The role of PAR-2 in neuroimmune communication and itch Mrgprs as itch receptors The role of interleukin-31 and oncostatin M in itch and neuroimmune communication Spinal coding of itch and pain Spinal microcircuits and the regulation of itch Examining new findings on cellular and molecular mechanisms, the book is a compendium of the most current research on itch, its prevalence in society, and the problems associated with treatment.

"The challenge of improving health outcomes for individuals and populations remains daunting. Fortunately, collaboration among multiple disciplines accelerates our appreciation of innate and external determinants of health for individuals and populations. Interprofessional research, education and practice also strengthens our capacity to design, disseminate, and deliver effective strategies and policies to prevent and treat diseases, and improve health"--

Providing for the first time a comprehensive overview of the common and different pathways and mechanisms of itch and pain, this unique title explores these two distinct and still somehow similar sensory experiences and utilize the cross-fertilization between the two fields to develop better treatments for patients. Itch and Pain: Similarities, Interactions and Differences is the only available, up-to-date guide to current information in this important area, ideal for basic scientists as well as clinicians in dermatology, pain, neurology, medicine, psychology, or other specialties.