chronic pruritus epidemiology forecast

Key Highlights

• According to DelveInsight's estimate, there were approximately 98 million prevalent cases of chronic pruritus in the 7MM in 2024, indicating a considerable disease burden.
• Among the prevalent cases in the 7MM, approximately 22 million individuals were diagnosed with chronic pruritus in 2024.
• In 2024, the US accounted for the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus among the 7MM, with approximately 9 million cases reported.
• In 2024, Germany accounted for the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus among the EU4 and UK, representing 33% of the total, followed by Italy with 18%. According to DelveInsight’s analysis, the overall diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus is projected to increase throughout the forecast period (2025–2034).
• According to DelveInsight analysis, nearly 730 thousand males and 900 thousand females were affected with chronic pruritus in France in 2024. DelveInsight estimates that these numbers are expected to increase by 2034.
• In 2024, the 65 years and above age group in EU4 and the UK recorded the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus, reaching nearly 4.5 million. In contrast, the 0–17 years age group had the lowest burden, with around 880 thousand cases reported.
• In 2024, Japan had approximately 3.5 million diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus, a figure expected to grow by 2034.

DelveInsight’s “Chronic Pruritus – Epidemiology Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth understanding of chronic pruritus, historical and forecasted epidemiology of chronic pruritus in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Geography Covered

• The United States
• EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom
• Japan

Study Period: 2020–2034

Chronic Pruritus Understanding

Chronic pruritus overview

Chronic pruritus, defined as itch lasting longer than six weeks, is a complex condition that significantly affects quality of life. It may arise from dermatological, systemic, infectious, or neurological causes, with inflammatory and neuropathic mechanisms often involved. Triggers include liver and kidney disorders, medications, parasitic infestations, and skin infections. The condition may present as a “pure” itch or with burning or stinging sensations, with symptoms influenced by environmental factors. While the mechanisms remain unclear, pathways such as NK1R, JAK, and TRP ion channels are implicated, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Chronic pruritus diagnosis

Diagnosing chronic pruritus requires a comprehensive and systematic approach due to its wide range of potential causes. Initial evaluation includes a detailed clinical history and physical examination to identify visible skin changes or systemic signs. Laboratory tests are often conducted to assess liver, kidney, and thyroid function, as well as iron levels and markers of inflammation. Additional investigations, such as skin scrapings or biopsies, may be needed to rule out infections or malignancies. In cases with no clear dermatological findings, neurological assessments, including nerve conduction studies or imaging, may be warranted to identify neuropathic causes. Despite available tools, diagnosis is often delayed due to the condition’s complexity and lack of standardized protocols.

Further details related to diagnosis are provided in the report…

Chronic Pruritus Epidemiology

For the purpose of designing the patient-based model for chronic pruritus, the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by total prevalent cases of chronic pruritus, total diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus, gender-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus, age-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus, severity-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus, Etiology-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus and treated cases of chronic pruritus in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan, from 2020 to 2034.

• According to DelveInsight’s estimates, in 2024, there were approximately 22 million diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus in the 7MM. Of these, the US accounted for 40.3% of the cases, while EU4 and the UK accounted for nearly 43.2% and Japan represented 16.5% of the cases, respectively.
• In 2024, the US accounted for around 9 million diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus. DelveInsight forecasts a rise in this figure by 2034, reflecting the growing burden of the disease.
• An aging population largely influences the growing number of chronic pruritus cases, the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases, and environmental factors like allergens and pollution, which contribute to the higher frequency of persistent itching.
• Among EU4 and the UK, Germany had the highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus in 2024, with approximately 3 million cases, followed by Italy with nearly 2 million cases.
• In 2024, Spain recorded approximately 635 thousand diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus among males and 775 thousand among females, with both figures projected to increase by 2034.
• In 2024, the UK reported approximately 150 thousand, 280 thousand, 445 thousand, and 755 thousand diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus in the 0–17, 18–44, 45–64, and 65+ age groups, respectively, with all age groups expected to see an increase by 2034.
• In 2024, Japan recorded an estimated 370 thousand mild, 2 million moderate, and 1.5 million severe cases of chronic pruritus, with all severity levels projected to rise by 2034.
• In 2024, among the etiology-specific diagnosed cases of chronic pruritus across the 7MM, there were approximately 8 million cases associated with atopic dermatitis, 3 million cases linked to psoriasis, 4 million cases related to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), 2 million cases due to neuropathy, 2 million idiopathic/unknown cases, and 3 million cases attributed to other causes. These figures are expected to rise by 2034.

KOL Views

To gaze into the epidemiology insights of the real world, we take KOLs and SMEs’ opinions working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research on disease prevalence.

DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 20+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 10+ KOLs in the 7MM. Centers such as the University of California, US, University of Cologne, Germany, Chu Brest - Hospital Morvan, France, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Spain, University of Edinburgh, UK, Juntendo University, Japan, National Defense Medical College, Japan, and others were contacted. Their opinion helps understand and validate current disease prevalence, gender involved with the disease, diagnosis rate, and diagnostic criteria.

As per the KOLs from the US, chronic pruritus has shown a rising prevalence in the US over the past decade, with notable variations across age groups, populations, and geographic regions. Emerging data suggest that lifestyle factors and shifting demographics are contributing to this increasing burden. Ongoing epidemiological research seeks to refine prevalence estimates and uncover evolving trends, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

As per the KOLs from Germany, mental health-related and neuropathic pruritus are major causes of chronic pruritus, often underdiagnosed due to limited psychiatric consultations. Small-fiber neuropathy is a key contributor, requiring specialized diagnostics. Comorbidities like diabetes and hypothyroidism play a role, but rarely stopping treatments changes outcomes. Idiopathic pruritus in older adults challenges the concept of senile pruritus.

As per the KOLs from Japan, chronic pruritus involves a complex itch pathway spanning the skin, peripheral sensory nerves, spinal cord, and brain. Pruritogens activate sensory nerves, transmitting signals that are modulated by opioid and GABA systems in the spinal cord before reaching brain regions like the precuneus, which links itch to subjective discomfort. While chemical itch mechanisms are well-characterized, the pathways underlying mechanical itch and heightened itch sensitivity remain unclear, underscoring the need for further research.

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a segment of executive summary, descriptive overview of chronic pruritus, explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, and currently available diagnostic algorithms and guidelines.
• Comprehensive insight has been provided into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, disease progression, and diagnosis guidelines.
• The report provides an edge for understanding trends, expert insights/KOL views, and patient journeys in the 7MM.
• A detailed review of current challenges in establishing the diagnosis.

Chronic Pruritus Report Insights

• Patient Population
• Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution
• Total Prevalent Cases of Chronic Pruritus
• Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Chronic Pruritus
• Gender-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Chronic Pruritus
• Age-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Chronic Pruritus
• Severity-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Chronic Pruritus
• Etiology-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Chronic Pruritus

Chronic Pruritus Report Key Strengths

• 10 years Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage
• Chronic pruritus Epidemiology Segmentation

Chronic Pruritus Report Assessment

• Current Diagnostic Practices Patient Segmentation

Epidemiology Insights

• What are the disease risk, burdens, and unmet needs of chronic pruritus? What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM concerning the patient population of chronic pruritus?
• What is the historical and forecasted chronic pruritus patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan?
• Why is the diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus in Japan lower than the US?
• Which country has a high patient share for chronic pruritus?

Reasons to Buy

• Insights on patient burden/disease, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
• To understand the chronic pruritus prevalent cases in varying geographies over the coming years.
• A detailed overview of gender, age, severity, and etiology-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic pruritus.
• To understand the perspective of key opinion leaders around the current challenges with establishing the diagnosis options.
• Detailed insights on various factors hampering disease diagnosis and other existing diagnostic challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the forecast period covered in the report?

The chronic pruritus epidemiology report for the 7MM covers the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, providing a projection of epidemiology dynamics and trends during this timeframe.

2. Out of all EU4 countries and the UK, which country had the highest population of chronic pruritus cases in 2024?

The highest cases of chronic pruritus was found in the Germany among EU4 and the UK in 2024.

3. How is epidemiological data collected and analyzed for forecasting purposes?

Epidemiological data is collected through surveys, clinical studies, health records, and other sources. It is then analyzed to calculate disease rates, identify trends, and project future disease burdens using mathematical models.

4. Out of all 7MM countries, which country had the highest population of chronic pruritus cases in 2024?

The highest cases of chronic pruritus were found in the US among the 7MM in 2024.