Pruritus

Pruritus is the medical term for itch, an unpleasant skin sensation that provokes the urge to scratch.

It can be localized or widespread, brief or chronic, and in both people and animals it has many causes: dry skin, eczema, allergic reactions, insect bites, infections, and internal conditions such as liver or kidney disease. In dogs and cats, environmental and food allergies and flea sensitivity are leading causes, and persistent scratching, licking or chewing can lead to hair loss and secondary skin infection. Chronic itch is defined as lasting six weeks or more.

Assessment begins with the distribution and timing of the itch, a skin examination and a search for triggers; blood tests, skin scrapings or allergy testing follow when needed. Veterinarians take a similar approach in animals. Cannabinoid receptors exist in the skin and have been studied in laboratory models of itch, and clinical research in humans and pets remains limited.