Which term describes intense itching?

The term that describes intense itching is "pruritus." This term is commonly used in medicine to refer specifically to the sensation that leads to the desire to scratch. It can be a symptom of various skin conditions, allergies, infections, and even systemic diseases. Understanding this term is crucial for effectively communicating symptoms in medical settings.

The other options refer to different medical concepts. Scabies is a condition caused by infestation with mites, leading to intense itching, but it is not the term for itching itself. Dermabrasion is a procedure used to improve the appearance of the skin by removing its surface layers, and it does not pertain to itching. Petechia are small, pinpoint, round spots that appear on the skin as a result of bleeding under the skin, which is unrelated to the sensation of itching. Each of these terms has its own specific meaning and clinical importance, distinguishing them from pruritus, which directly describes the experience of intense itching.