Brachioradial Pruritus Case Misdiagnosed for a Decade: Cervical Nerve Compression and New Hypotheses for Seasonality, Capsaicin Response, and Icing

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46570/utjms-2026-1585

Keywords:

occupational hygiene, capsaicin, seasonality, 'ice-pack sign', skin biopsy, cervical spine x-ray, CT scan

Abstract

Idiopathic itching of the upper extremities or scapula is a seemingly dermatological condition confounded by an unexplained connection to ultraviolet (UV) exposure that together conspire to mask a frequent etiology in cervical nerve compression. This underlying cause is not commonly recognized outside of certain specialties, nor is it included in skin-related screening algorithms for general practitioners, resulting, together with frustratingly nonspecific diagnostic tools, in protracted suffering of patients. A case study reported here suggests synergistic diagnostic and treatment approaches that reflect the role of cervical nerve compression, including radiography, capsaicin response, and physical therapy. The patient experience supports an alternative hypothesis, occupational seasonality, to account for the apparent UV connection that should be evaluated in new epidemiological research that better isolates brachioradial pruritus from conditions with superficially similar presentations.

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Cover of Translation: The University of Toledo Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 16, Issue 2 (2026). The cover features a layered green collage design with the journal title "Translation" in large tan lettering across the top and the full journal name set within a darker green panel. The central artwork shows three overlapping human silhouettes in cream, tan, and brown tones layered with circular medical imaging insets - an ultrasound image and a chest radiograph. A gold DNA double helix runs vertically along the right edge, and a honeycomb hexagonal pattern textures the background, with the volume and issue designation ("Vol. 16, No. 2 (2026)") displayed in a rounded tan banner in the lower right corner.

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Published

2026-10-28

How to Cite

1.
Sezgin D, Santos-Perkins M, carey jannette. Brachioradial Pruritus Case Misdiagnosed for a Decade: Cervical Nerve Compression and New Hypotheses for Seasonality, Capsaicin Response, and Icing. Translation [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 28 [cited 2026 Oct. 30];16(2). Available from: https://openjournals.utoledo.edu/index.php/translation/article/view/1585

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2026): Volume 16, (2026)

Section

Case Reports

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Copyright (c) 2026 Deniz Sezgin, Michelle Santos-Perkins, jannette carey (Author)

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