Ferdinand von Hebra coined the term "prurigo" in Vienna in 1850 to describe papules and nodules that had severe pruritus.

[2] Some authors categorize prurigo based on its nature (acute, subacute, or chronic), clinical manifestation, underlying cause, or related illness.

Scratching can cause erosions to form at the top, although unlike eczematous papules, these typically don't show any noticeable phenotypic alterations.

Itching can also be brought on by a number of exogenous variables, including bacteria, parasites, allergies applied topically or internally, and poisonous substances deposited beneath the skin.

In those who are sensitive, physical variables like UV light can cause alterations in epidermal innervation, which can lead to prurigo sores and itching.