Itching: meaning, definitions and examples

General situation when the skin or a body part feels the need to be scratched. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

• My arm is itching after the mosquito bite
• He couldn't stop itching his head during the presentation

A medical term used in professional or medical settings to describe an intense, chronic itch.

• The patient was diagnosed with pruritus due to an allergic reaction
• Pruritus is a common symptom of eczema

When there is a discomfort or mild inflammation, often due to an external factor like an allergen or friction. It can also be used metaphorically for emotional discomfort.

• The new lotion caused skin irritation
• Her constant complaints are a source of irritation for me

Used when describing a sensation that feels rough or abrasive, often used for internal discomfort like in the throat. Can also refer to physical surfaces.

• After yelling all day, he had a scratchiness in his throat
• The old record had a scratchiness that affected the sound quality

Feeling of discomfort on the skin that makes you want to scratch.

• My mosquito bite is itching so badly
• I can't stop the itching on my arm

Moving your nails or a sharp object across a surface, often to relieve itching.

• I had to scratch the mosquito bite because it was so itchy
• The cat likes to scratch the furniture

Applying friction to a surface, commonly with your hand. Can be for relief, cleaning, or feeling something.

• He rubbed his eyes after waking up
• You should rub aloe vera on the sunburn

Causing annoyance, anger, or discomfort, not only physical but also emotional. Often has a negative connotation.

• His constant humming started to irritate me
• Certain fabrics irritate my skin