Comezón vs. picazón vs. picor vs. prurito
While the Spanish words comezón, picazón, picor, and prurito all translate to itch or itching, they differ in terms of intensity, commonality, regional preference, and formality.
Comezón
B1Comezón is a very common word, particularly in Latin America. It often describes a persistent, generalized, and relatively light itch, similar to a nagging tickle or the sensation from dry skin. It's typically less intense or sharp than what picor might suggest.
La lana de este suéter me da comezón en el cuello.
(The wool of this sweater makes my neck itch.)
Tengo una comezón terrible en la espalda, pero no alcanzo a rascarme.
(I have a terrible itch on my back, but I can't reach to scratch it.)
La piel seca en invierno siempre me provoca comezón en las piernas.
(Dry skin in the winter always gives me an itch on my legs.)
Picazón
A2Picazón is arguably the most neutral and universally understood term across the entire Spanish-speaking world. It can be used to describe any type of itch, from mild to severe, making it a safe and standard choice in almost any context.
La picadura de mosquito me dejó una picazón insoportable.
(The mosquito bite left me with an unbearable itch.)
Esta reacción alérgica me causa picazón en todo el cuerpo.
(This allergic reaction is causing me to itch all over my body.)
Si la picazón no mejora, deberías consultar a un médico.
(If the itching doesn't get better, you should see a doctor.)
Picor
B1Predominantly used in Spain, picor often implies a sharper, more intense or stinging sensation. The word is related to picar (to sting/to be spicy), so it aptly describes an itch that feels more acute, like from an insect sting or a chemical irritant.
Siento un picor agudo en el brazo donde me rozó la ortiga.
(I feel a sharp itch on my arm where the nettle brushed against me.)
Después de usar ese jabón, noté un picor y enrojecimiento en la piel.
(After using that soap, I noticed an itch and redness on my skin.)
El picor de la herida es una señal de que está cicatrizando.
(The itching of the wound is a sign that it is healing.)
Prurito
C1Prurito is the formal, medical, or technical term for itching. You will find it in medical reports, scientific articles, or hear it from a doctor describing a clinical condition. It is not used in casual, everyday conversation.
El paciente presenta prurito generalizado como síntoma secundario.
(The patient presents with generalized pruritus as a secondary symptom.)
El tratamiento está destinado a aliviar el prurito causado por la enfermedad.
(The treatment is intended to relieve the pruritus caused by the disease.)
En el informe se describe un prurito crónico de origen desconocido.
(The report describes a chronic pruritus of unknown origin.)
Summary
In short: Use picazón as the universal, neutral word for any itch. Use comezón for a lighter, more persistent itch, especially in Latin America. Use picor for a sharper, stinging itch, especially in Spain. Reserve prurito for formal, medical, or scientific contexts when referring to the clinical condition of itching.