essential pruritus

essential pruritus

n.

Itching that occurs independently of skin lesions.

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essential pruritus

Etymology: L, essentia, quality, prurire, to itch

localized or general pruritus that begins without a preexisting skin disorder.

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pruritus

itching; common in many types of skin disorders, especially allergic inflammation and parasitic infestations. Its presence in animals is inferred because of the presence of scratching, which would be a more accurate description. Pruritus is epidermal in origin and does not occur in deep ulcerations, although they may be painful. It is most intense at mucocutaneous junctions. See also paresthesia, hyperesthesia.

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pruritus ani

intense chronic itching in the anal region. May be caused by perianal dermatitis, intestinal parasitism and anal sac disease in dogs and cats.

cholinergic pruritus

caused by stimulation of afferent cholinergic fibers at the neuroglandular junction of the sweat gland with release of acetylcholine and sweat. There is mast cell degranulation. Called also heat reflex urticaria.

essential pruritus

that occurring without known cause.

symptomatic pruritus

that which occurs secondarily to another condition.