Symptomatic pruritus is a medical term used to describe itching that occurs due to an underlying medical condition. The spelling of this word is as follows: /sɪmptəˈmætɪk prʊərɪtəs/. The first part of the word, "symptomatic", is spelled based on how it is pronounced, with an "o" instead of an "i". The second part, "pruritus", is spelled according to its Latin roots. The "u" after the "p" is pronounced with a "w" sound, which might seem counterintuitive to some English speakers.
Symptomatic pruritus refers to a condition characterized by intense itching that is accompanied by other clinical indications or symptoms. Pruritus, derived from the Latin word "prurire" meaning "to itch," is a sensory perception that triggers the desire to scratch the skin in response to an irritant. When pruritus is considered symptomatic, it implies that there is an underlying cause or condition that is producing the itching sensation.
The itching sensation associated with symptomatic pruritus can be localized or generalized, affecting a particular area or the entire body, respectively. It can occur due to a wide range of factors, including allergic reactions, skin conditions (such as eczema or psoriasis), internal diseases (such as liver or kidney disorders), or as a side effect of medications. The primary characteristic of symptomatic pruritus is that it serves as a perceptible marker of an underlying issue that requires attention and treatment to alleviate the itch.
These additional symptoms that accompany the itching may vary depending on the underlying cause. For instance, in allergic reactions, symptomatic pruritus may be accompanied by redness, swelling, or hives. In liver diseases, it may be associated with jaundice or fatigue. Accurate diagnosis and treatment depend on identifying and addressing the specific cause responsible for the itching sensation, as it is a secondary manifestation of an underlying condition.
The management of symptomatic pruritus usually involves treating the underlying cause while providing relief from the itching sensation through the use of antihistamines, corticosteroids, moisturizers, or other topical or systemic therapies to alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being.
Itching occurring as a symptom of some general disorder, such as gout or rheumatism, jaundice, gastroenteric disturbances, etc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "symptomatic pruritus" can be broken down into two parts: "symptomatic" and "pruritus".
The term "symptomatic" comes from the Greek word "symptōmatikós", which means "pertaining to symptoms". It is derived from the Greek word "symptōma", meaning "anything that happens or befalls, an occurrence, accident, incident". The term "symptomatic" is commonly used in medicine to describe symptoms or indicators of a disease or condition.
The term "pruritus" is derived from the Latin word "prūritus", which means "itching" or "to itch". It comes from the Latin word "prūrīre", meaning "to itch" or "to feel itchy". "Pruritus" is a medical term used to describe the sensation or symptom of itching.