What it means
An itchy feeling that makes a person want to scratch. It can come from dry skin, skin diseases such as eczemaEG-zuh-muhA long-lasting skin condition that comes and goes, in which the skin barrier is weak and patches of skin become inflamed; also called atopic dermatitis.Full entry , allergies, insect bites or lice, and from drugs such as opioids. It can also come from problems inside the body, such as a high bilirubin level in liver disease or waste buildup in kidney failure. Scratching can break the skin and let infection in.
For the nurse
Keep nails short, use cool compresses and mild soap, apply moisturizer and pat the skin dry. Give antihistamines as ordered. Ask about new drugs, foods and soaps, and report itching that comes with hives or trouble breathing.
At a glance
| Everyday words | itching |
|---|---|
| Spanish | prurito |
| Also written | pruritic |
Related terms
allergy
A reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.
dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin.
eczema
A long-lasting skin condition that comes and goes, in which the skin barrier is weak and patches of skin become inflamed; also called atopic dermatitis.
pediculosis
Infestation with lice, tiny wingless insects that live on the body and feed on blood.