Sign or Symptom
pruritus
pru·ri·tus [ proo-rahy-tuhs ]
Subclass of:
Dermatologic disorders;
Skin Manifestations
Etymology:
Latin prurire = to itch
Hence an itch. Adopted into English in 1653.
Hence an itch. Adopted into English in 1653.
Also called:
Itching
Definitions related to pruritus:
-
(itching) Itching is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. Sometimes it can feel like pain, but it is different. Often, you feel itchy in one area in your body, but sometimes you may feel itching all over. Along with the itching, you may also have a rash or hives. Itching is a symptom of many health conditions. Some common causes are Allergic reactions to food, insect bites, pollen, and medicines; Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin; Irritating chemicals, cosmetics, and other substances; Parasites such as pinworms, scabies, head and body lice; Pregnancy; Liver, kidney, or thyroid diseases; Certain cancers or cancer treatments; Diseases that can affect the nervous system, such as diabetes and shingles. Most itching is not serious. To feel better, you could try Applying cold compresses; Using moisturizing lotions; Taking lukewarm or oatmeal baths; Using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines; Avoiding scratching, wearing irritating fabrics, and exposure to high heat and humidity. Contact your health care provider if your itching is severe, does not go away after a few weeks, or does not have an apparent cause. You may need other treatments, such as medicines or light therapy. If you have an underlying disease that is causing the itching...MedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
An intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or scratch the skin to obtain relief.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
An intense itching sensation.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
(pruritis) Intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or scratch the skin to obtain relief.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
-
Itching.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
-
Itching. Severe itching may be a side effect of some cancer treatments and a symptom of some types of cancers.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
Pruritus is an itch or a sensation that makes a person want to scratch. This term refers to an abnormally increased disposition to experience pruritus.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2021
-
(pruritic disorder) A skin disorder characterized by an intense itching sensation.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
(itching sensation) An irritating feeling that produces the desire to scratch.U.S. FDA GlossaryU.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2021
-
A disorder characterized by an intense itching sensation.Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse EventsU.S. National Institutes of Health, 2021
-
Itching is a symptom that can cause significant discomfort and is one of the most common reasons for consultation with a dermatologist. Itching leads to scratching, which can cause inflammation, skin degradation, and possible secondary infection. The skin can become lichenified, scaly, and excoriated.Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
-
Itchy skin is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch. Also known as pruritus (proo-RIE-tus), itchy skin can be caused or worsened by dry skin. It's common in older adults, as skin tends to become drier with age.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
-
Itching, a stimulation of free nerve endings, usually at the junction of the dermis and epidermis of the skin, that evokes a desire to scratch. It has been suggested that an itch is a subthreshold sensation of pain; however, although both itch and pain sensations share common nerve pathways, they...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> P
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.