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What are the symptoms of pruritus?

  1. Swelling

  2. Itching

  3. Rash

  4. Pain

The correct answer is: Itching

The primary symptom of pruritus is indeed itching. Pruritus is the medical term used to describe the sensation that prompts the desire to scratch the skin. This itching can occur independently or as a result of various skin conditions, internal diseases, or reactions to medications. It can significantly impact a patient's quality of life due to the discomfort it causes and the potential for skin damage from scratching. While swelling, rash, and pain can be associated with various skin and systemic conditions, they are not synonymous with pruritus. Swelling may indicate an inflammatory response, a rash can be a manifestation of various dermatological issues, and pain typically refers to physical discomfort that doesn’t relate specifically to the sensation of itching. Therefore, knowing that itching is the hallmark symptom of pruritus helps clarify why it is the correct answer in this context.