What is the medical term for itching?

What is the medical term for itching?

• A. Dermatitis
• B. Urticaria
• C. Eczema
• D. Pruritus

Answer: (D)

Pruritus is the medical term for the sensation of itching. It names the symptom itself, which can be caused by many different factors and may occur with or without visible skin changes. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin as a disease process; eczema is a form of dermatitis that tends to be chronic and involves dry, itchy, inflamed skin. Urticaria describes hives—raised, itchy welts usually from an allergic or immune reaction. So when the question asks for the term for itching, pruritus is the precise, widely used medical word.

Pruritus is the medical term for the sensation of itching. It names the symptom itself, which can be caused by many different factors and may occur with or without visible skin changes. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin as a disease process; eczema is a form of dermatitis that tends to be chronic and involves dry, itchy, inflamed skin. Urticaria describes hives—raised, itchy welts usually from an allergic or immune reaction. So when the question asks for the term for itching, pruritus is the precise, widely used medical word.