was associated with all domains of QoL, apart from subscale swelling/mental status. The strongest correlation was marked between its total score and embarrassment. It could be explained on the basis of patients' reports indicating that itch leads directly to scratching which attracts negative attention of others and influence one's social perception. As the consequence, patients could feel ashamed in public situations \[[@cit0017]\]. It was even noted that people suffering from contact dermatitis avoided social interactions due to their burdensome itch and the demand of scratching related to it \[[@cit0033], [@cit0034]\]. We could assume that such situations could lead to social interactions deficits in CU patients. Additionally, patients could pay their attentional focus to bodily sensations, what also enhances itch and scratching behaviour \[[@cit0035]\]. So, coping with it may become more difficult and could lead to belief of losing control over that symptom. Finally, feelings of helplessness can develop and be a source of worse QoL \[[@cit0010]\].

As for current study limitations, the number of the patients seems to be not large, but at this stage we were unable to extend the study. Furthermore, we did not take into account the significance of cognitive appraisal in perception of stressful situations and disease coping strategies. Both parameters could play a significant mediating role, providing more detailed explanation of stress, itch and QoL relations.

Conclusions {#sec6}
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Taking into consideration the significant role of itch in QoL impairment in CU patients, it would be worth employing itch-coping trainings in this group. The effectiveness of such interventions is also reported in literature data \[[@cit0036]\]. Better management of this sensation could result in breaking the itch-and-scratch vicious cycle. As a consequence, feeling of self-control and self-efficacy could develop, thus leading to QoL improvement in CU patients.

This study was supported by statutory grant of the Medical Un