Itch as a Window to Inflammation with Brian Kim, MD, MTR, FAAD

In a recent discussion with Dermatology Times, Brian Kim, MD, MTR, FAAD, professor of dermatology and vice chair of research at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City, provided insight into the evolving understanding of itching and its therapeutic implications. Kim shared these insights at the 2025 Inflammatory Skin Disease Summit, hosted November 12-15 in New York, New York.

Kim emphasized the role of itching as a clinical signal of inflammation, stating, “We sense inflammation, and one way that we sense inflammation in the skin is by itching.” Historically, itching was primarily attributed to external environmental factors, but recent research highlights that systemic and internal dysregulation frequently underlies pruritus. This shift in understanding positions itching as a key biomarker for inflammatory activity, rather than merely a superficial symptom.

Advances in pharmacology have significantly broadened treatment options. Kim noted, “Even 7 years ago, we have many FDA-approved drugs now that target itching by way of inflammation.” These therapies not only address symptomatic relief but also intervene at the mechanistic level of inflammation, reflecting a deeper integration of immunology and dermatology. The growing therapeutic domain for pruritus illustrates dermatology’s capacity for innovation, with continued expansion expected in both targeted agents and broader treatment strategies.

Kim also discussed the broader implications of dermatologic research for medicine as a whole. Understanding inflammation in the skin has potential applications across organ systems, highlighting dermatology as a model for translational research. He explained, “Dermatology is actually emerging as a beautiful use case for medicine in general… solving problems in dermatology is allowing us to solve problems in other specialties of medicine.” This perspective underscores the potential of dermatologic findings to inform systemic disease management and shape future interdisciplinary approaches.

Overall, Kim’s insights underscore a paradigm shift in dermatology: moving from symptom-focused care to mechanism-based interventions, with itching serving as both a diagnostic signal and therapeutic target. As research continues, clinicians can anticipate further integration of dermatologic insights into broader medical practice, reinforcing the specialty’s role in both patient-centered care and translational science.