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RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07247695

Mechanisms Underlying the Placebo Effect in Both Histaminergic and Non-histaminergic Itch

Pain and Itch Neuromodulation: Effects of Offset Analgesia, Placebo, and Nocebo and Topographical Distribution of Itch and Pain Receptors

Sponsor

Aalborg University

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Nov 3, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Summary

The study consists of one experimental session of approximately 1½ hours. The participant will fill in a series of questionnaires about how you perceive itch and pain, and about some traits of your personality, such as depression, anxiety and stress. Afterwards, two areas will be selected on each forearm of the subjects. The four areas will be treated with the same vehicle cream for 20 minutes, in order to test the placebo effect. At the end of the cream application, two areas will be randomly treated with histamine while cowhage will be applied on the other two areas. During the 10 minutes of the application of the pruritogens, itch and pain will be continuously monitored using a Visual Analog Scale.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

  • Healthy men and women
  • -60 years
  • Speak and understand English

Exclusion Criteria11

  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Drug addiction defined as any use of cannabis, opioids, or other drugs
  • Previous or current history of neurological, immunological, musculoskeletal, cardiac disorder or psychiatric diagnoses that may affect the results (e.g., neuropathy, muscular pain in the upper extremities, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, etc.)
  • Moles, wounds, scars, or tattoos in the area to be treated or tested
  • Current use of medications that may affect the trial such as antihistamines and pain killers
  • Skin diseases
  • Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these
  • Acute or chronic pain and itch
  • Participation in other trials within 1 week of study entry (4 weeks in the case of pharmaceutical studies)
  • Contraindications to capsaicin, including intolerance to chili or burns or wounds at the application site
  • The subject is assessed as unable to engage in the necessary cooperation required by the study

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Interventions

OTHERHistamine

To deliver histamine, standard allergy skin prick test (SPT) lancets are applied

OTHERCowhage

The spicules will be manually inserted. Approximately 30-35 spicules are gently rubbed into a 1 cm diameter skin area on the forearm/face

Locations(1)

Aalborg University

Gistrup, Denmark

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NCT07247695