pruritus; itching
Medical term for the sensation of itching or a condition characterized by persistent itching.
Antihistamines are sometimes used to treat pruritus.
Dry skin can sometimes cause itching.
Standard kanji form for this medical term.
Alternative spelling using the kana そう for the first character; common in medical contexts.
Compound of 掻痒 (sōyō, 'itching') and 症 (shō, 'condition' or 'syndrome'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with medical terminology.