PRURI'GO (Lat.. itch). The name of a skin disease restricted to prurigo of Ilchru, not in cluding all conditions in which there is pruritis. Formerly dermatologists distinguished pruritic., otitis, pruriyo formicuns, and pruriyo st nilis, which are now relegated to the eezemata and tic lichens (q.v.). True prurigo, also called riyo agria or fero.r, begins in infancy or in child hood or youth, persisting with recurrences for many years. It resembles urtieuriu (q.v.). The eruption is generally at first a series of white or rosy plaques with itching, agitation, and insomnia. Then papules appear. as pale red points, ex coriated at the summit, usually on the anterior and external portions of the legs and thighs. about the pelvis and buttocks, and also upon the upper extremities. The skin hardens, and be comes thicker, furrowed with folds and covered with crusts. Vesicles may appear, exuding yel lowish serum. or sanguineous. and blackened.
Impetigo. furuncle, abscess, and lymphangitis. all resulting from inoculation. may complicate the attack. Indolent lymphatic glandular enlarge ments may appear in the groin. The prognosis is very unfavorable. The disease generally dis appears between the eighth and eighteenth year, in the milder eases. Many. are ineuralde. Asth ma. emphysema, and chronic bronchitis are very common the victims of prorigo. Diet. end-liver oil. pilocarpine, carbolic acid, cannabis indica. and analgesics are of avail. Bran baths.
starch baths, vial-liver styrax, sulphur, ielithyol, and resorcin are among the Iota] appli cations used. Hermetically sealing up the skin is the most effectual treatment of all. Consult Kaposi. Pathology and Treatment of Discuses of the Skin (Eng. trans., New York, 1895).