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Pruritus (PDQ®)
Patient Version   Health Professional Version   En español   Last Modified: 01/21/2009



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Overview

Pruritus is an itching sensation that triggers the desire to scratch. It is a distressing symptom that can cause discomfort. Scratching may cause breaks in the skin that may result in infection. Pruritus can be related to anything from dry skin to undiagnosed cancer. It can occur in people who have cancer or in those who have received cancer treatment.

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