Dermatol Ther. 2005 Jul-Aug;18(4):288-91.

Itch and pruritus: what are they, and how should itches be classified?

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University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA. bernharj@ummhc.org

Abstract

Itch and pruritus are two terms for the same thing. In this essay I will argue that casting about for a distinction between them creates only confusion. Once that matter is settled, it is still necessary to come up with a clinical classification for itches of different types. No system yet proposed, including the one that will be suggested here, is perfect.

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Itch and pruritus: what are they, and how should itches be classified?
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Dermatol Ther. 2005 Jul-Aug ;18(4):288-91.

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