Insect Bite Itching Score as a New Tool for Evaluating Severity of Itching

Abstract

Insect Bite Itching Score as a New Tool for Evaluating Severity of Itching

Sumanas Bunyaratvej MD*

Vinij Pongparit MD**

Wangchai Leesanguankul MD**

Supinda Keattipun MD***

* Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

** Department of Medicine, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

*** Department of Family Medicine, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Objective: To study the correlation between insectbite itching score as a new tool for evaluating severity of itching and visnal analog scale.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Subjects: One hundred and ten patients presenting with itching as a chief complaint at Dermatological Clinic, Department of Medicine, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital during November to December 2004 were enrolled.

Methods: Severity of itching was assessed by three methods consisting of visual analog scale and two insect bite itching scores (mosquito bite itching score and ant bite itching score). The correlation and satisfaction for these three methods were evaluated.

Main outcome measures: Severity of itching, satisfaction of these methods.

Results: The correlation between VAS and both insect bite itching scores (mosquito bite itching score and ant bite itching score) were 0.717 and 0.620 (p-value < 0.001). The satisfactory score of insect bite itching score and VAS were 3.4 ± 0.8 and 3.1 ± 0.9.

Conclusion: The newly developed insect bite itching scores correlated well with VAS. Moreover, subjects satisfied this method more than VAS.

Vajira Med J 2007 ; 51 : 19 - 24