Just for Fun: Derm Terms

“Pruritus” or “Pruritis”?

It’s pruritus, defined as severe itching of the skin, as a symptom of various ailments. “…itis” doesn’t always refer to inflammation.

Non-inflammatory “…itis” includes:

• Wapitis = elk (native American)
• Mephitis = skunk genus

Other “…itis” uses:

• Tinnitus = ringing in ear
• Mellitus = honey-sweet