Welcome to the homepage of Pruritus Medicine!

In our interdisciplinary team, consisting of dermatologists and natural scientists, we investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis and chronification of pruritus in translational and basic research studies. For this purpose, we use a comprehensive range of methods. This spectrum includes screening approaches of patient cohorts (e.g. transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenomic), numerous morphological methods such as immunohistological examinations, immunofluorescence staining, manual and IT-supported quantification of cutaneous nerves as well as three-dimensional skin models of healthy skin and specific dermatoses. This variety of possible methods is complemented by innovative in-vitro models, such as the application of mechanical stress to skin (cells) as caused by scratching.

In our research group, laboratory and clinical staff work closely together in order to take the best possible perspective on the symptom of chronic pruritus. This translational approach is one of the great strengths of our team, as we are not only able to generate clinically applicable approaches from basic research findings (from bench to bedside), but also to design new hypotheses for our research work in the laboratory through clinical observations (from bedside to bench).

Note: Our Pruritus Medicine Section, with its research and outreach laboratory and clinical areas, is part of both the Clinic for Skin Diseases and the Centre for Chronic Pruritus (KCP) of Münster University Hospital. On this website you will find more details about our scientific activities. You can find all patient related topics on our KCP clinic website of the UKM.