[Prurigo. Clinical definition and classification]

There is no consistent definition of the term prurigo and a clear classification is unavailable.

Definition of the current forms of prurigo and a new approach to a specific classification.

Review of the types of prurigo as presented in current textbooks and publications.

Pruritus is the main symptom of prurigo and shows an intensely pruritic papule or nodule as the main efflorescence. The term prurigo is not only used for secondary lesions, but also for primary dermatoses. The different forms of prurigo obtain their names depending on etiology, onset and duration of lesions or the clinical appearance.

The term prurigo has not been used consistently. A revision of the classification with a clear distinction between primary dermatoses and secondary lesions seems reasonable. In secondary prurigo, a clinical classification and the cause should be mentioned.