Pruritus

Pruritus is an itch or a sensation that makes a person want to scratch. This term refers to an abnormally increased disposition to experience pruritus.

Also called: Itching, Itchy skin, Skin itching.

Not sure what pruritus might be related to? See the lab tests that healthcare providers may use to investigate pruritus, and the conditions they help explore.
Explore relevant lab tests
Associations

Conditions associated with pruritus

The following conditions have been associated with pruritus in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.

AGel amyloidosis

AGel amyloidosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Adult-onset Still disease

Adult-onset Still disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

African trypanosomiasis

African trypanosomiasis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Aggressive systemic mastocytosis

Aggressive systemic mastocytosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs...

General

Angiostrongyliasis

Angiostrongyliasis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Antisynthetase syndrome

Antisynthetase syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Atopic Dermatitis

A chronic inflammatory skin condition (eczema) causing itchy, red, dry, and cracked skin....

Dermatologic

Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome

Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and...

General

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms ...

General

Caroli disease

Caroli disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Caroli syndrome

Caroli syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Chickenpox

A highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy, blister-like rash, most common in children....

Infectious

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Chronic Kidney Disease

Progressive loss of kidney function over time, often caused by diabetes and hypertension, leading to buildup o...

Renal & Urinary

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis/Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis/Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a medical condition that may ...

General

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Classic mycosis fungoides

Classic mycosis fungoides is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Contact Dermatitis

A skin reaction caused by contact with an irritant or allergen, causing redness, itching, and sometimes bliste...

Dermatologic

Crigler-Najjar syndrome

Crigler-Najjar syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Cutaneous mastocytoma

Cutaneous mastocytoma is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Cutaneous mastocytosis-deafness-microtia syndrome

Cutaneous mastocytosis-deafness-microtia syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various s...

General

Dengue fever

Dengue fever is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis

Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Familial cold urticaria

Familial cold urticaria is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Familial thrombocytosis

Familial thrombocytosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Genital Herpes

A common sexually transmitted viral infection causing recurrent outbreaks of painful blisters or sores in the ...

Infectious

Glucagonoma

Glucagonoma is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Hardikar syndrome

Hardikar syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements....

Gastrointestinal

Herpes Zoster

A painful rash (shingles) caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, often with burning pain before...

Infectious

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms a...

General

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and ...

General

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin, which can indicate liver, bile duct, or blood dis...

Gastrointestinal

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....

General

Lymphoma

Cancer of the lymphatic system, causing swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight loss....

Oncologic

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs...

General

Maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis

Maculopapular cutaneous mastocytosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and s...

General

Tests

Tests providers may use to investigate pruritus

When investigating pruritus, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)

Screens for autoimmune diseases such as lupus....

Sample: Blood

Albumin, Random Urine With Creatinine Ratio

Order Albumin, Random Urine with Creatinine Ratio.com online through our partner and visit a local lab near yo...

Sample: Blood

Allergy Testing

Identifies environmental, food, or animal allergies....

Sample: Blood

Alpha-Fetoprotein Afp Tumor Marker Test

This blood test determines Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP or a-Fetoprotein) levels....

Sample: Blood

Anti-dsDNA Antibodies

Supports diagnosis and monitoring of systemic lupus erythematosus....

Sample: Blood

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

Measures glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function markers....

Sample: Blood

Bun/Creatinine Ratio Test

The BUN/Creatinine ratio blood test is used to diagnose acute or chronic renal (kidney) disease or damage. It ...

Sample: Blood

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Measures inflammation in the body....

Sample: Blood

CBC with Differential

Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...

Sample: Blood

Cancer & Tumor Marker Tests

Fast, easy and affordable cancer lab tests that do not require insurance or a doctor's referral. Simply order ...

Sample: Blood

Cbc, Cmp, Ua, Thyroid, & Lipid Health Tests

Our standard health test panel includes thyroid testing, a CBC, CMP, Urinalysis, & Lipid Panel. These lab test...

Sample: Blood

Complete Blood Count Test Cbc Test With Differential

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test helps to give an overall view of general health and screens for a broad scop...

Sample: Blood

Related

Symptoms commonly seen alongside pruritus

When to seek care

Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if pruritus is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the symptom pruritus mean?

Pruritus is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. Pruritus is an itch or a sensation that makes a person want to scratch. This term refers to an abnormally increased disposition to experience pruritus.

Which conditions are associated with pruritus?

Pruritus has been reported in association with 66 conditions in the medical literature we index, including AGel amyloidosis, Adult-onset Still disease, African trypanosomiasis, Aggressive systemic mastocytosis, Angiostrongyliasis. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.

Should I see a doctor about pruritus?

You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.

Educational content only: The information on Symptom Database.com is for educational purposes and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider. Read our full disclaimer.