What is the medical term for itching?

The medical term for itching is pruritus. This term is used in the medical field to describe the sensation that provokes the desire to scratch or rub the skin, which can be associated with various conditions such as allergies, skin disorders, or systemic diseases. Understanding this term is crucial, as it helps in effectively communicating symptoms in a clinical setting and aids in diagnosing the underlying causes of the itching sensation.

The other options refer to different medical conditions: polyuria signifies excessive urination, polydipsia refers to excessive thirst, and polyphagia indicates excessive hunger. These terms are distinct and relate to different physiological processes, making pruritus the accurate choice for the concept of itching.