Thalidomide treatment of prurigo nodularis.

Four patients with classic recalcitrant prurigo nodularis had symptomatic and physical responses to thalidomide with remissions. Three of the four patients had increased IgE levels that decreased during therapy. In two patients, short-term treatment (2 to 3 months) was not sufficient to produce remission, but retreatment was effective. Two patients had long-term remission with more than 6 months of treatment. No significant side effects occurred.