PRUNUS VIRGINIANA. See CHOKE-CHERRY, ante.
PRIIIir GO is a non-contagious affection of the skin, in which intense itching is the most prominent symptom. Sometimes the parts affected present no marked deviation from the normal type, but most commonly they are covered with papulre, which are nearly of the same color as the skin. Hence prurigo has been placed among the popular diseases of the skin. William makes three varieties of this disorder—viz., P. mitts, P. formieane, and P. senilis. This affection seldom affects the whole surface; its favorite seats being the neck, the shoulders, the back, the outer surface of the limbs, the anus, etc. In P. formicarts there is not only intense itching, but patients complain of a feeling like the creeping of ants (hence the specific name) or the stinging of insects, or as if hot needles were thrust into the shin. All the forms of this disease are aggravated Ly exposure to the air, and by heat, and the sensations are often so distressing after the patient has become warm in bed, as to prevent sleep for many hours. P. senilis, occur ring, as its name implies, in old persons, is characterized by the extreme severity and permanence of the itching, and by the obstinacy with which it resi:;ts every kind of treatment. The different varieties of this disorder may probably be often traced either
to disease of the digestive system, or to want of personal cleanliness; but in most cases their origin is obscure.
In the treatment of this disease, attention should be paid to the diet. All stimulating condiments and drinks should be forbidden, and only a plain, easily digested food allowed. Internal remedies arc seldom of use excepting opium, which in severe cases is required in free or huge doses, in order to procure rest. The local applications that have been recommended arevery numerous. Lotions of spirit, diluted vinegar, solution of acetate of ammonia, glycerine, prussic acid, etc., and ointments containing creasote, iodide of sulphur, aconitine, etc., have been advocated by various physicians of eminence. Unless, however, the greatest attention is paid to personal cleanliness, no remedy is likely to be of permanent benefit.
PItUSA, or Pm:sus. See Bnousa, ante.