picazón en la piel
/pikaθon en la pjel/from spelling rules
The English phrase "itchy skin" is translated into Spanish as picazón en la piel.
This phrase describes an uncomfortable sensation on the skin that creates a desire to scratch. To express the idea that your skin is itchy, Spanish speakers frequently use the verb tener (to have) combined with picazón.
Which one should you use?
While picazón is a standard way to refer to itchiness, comezón is a very common synonym used throughout many Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
A very natural way to express that your skin is itchy is to use the verb picar in the third person, as in me pica la piel.
Did you know?
- While picazón and comezón both mean itchiness, comezón comes from the verb comer, which means 'to eat'.
- The verb picar, used to describe the sensation of itchy skin, is the same word used to describe the taste of spicy food or the act of stinging with an insect.
- The word piel descends from the Latin word pellis, which also gave English the word 'pelt' to describe an animal skin.
Examples in context
- Tengo picazón en la piel del brazo derechoI have itching on the skin of my right arm
- Tengo una fuerte comezón en el cuero cabelludoI have a strong itching sensation on my scalp
- Siento mucha picazón en los dedosI feel a lot of itchiness on my fingers
- Necesito ver a un médico. Tengo la piel irritada y con mucha picazón.I need to see a doctor. I have irritated and very itchy skin.
- He tenido picazón en la piel durante varios días, ¿puede recomendarme un dermatólogo?I've had itching on my skin for several days, can you recommend a dermatologist?
- Esta crema ayuda con la picazón en la piel.This cream helps with the itchy skin.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about a new laundry detergent.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿notas que tengo picazón en la piel?Daniel, do you notice that I have itchy skin?
- DanielSí, Lucía, tu brazo se ve muy rojo.Yes, Lucía, your arm looks very red.
- LucíaCreo que el jabón nuevo me causó picazón en la piel.I think the new soap caused the itchy skin.
- DanielDeberías usar el jabón de siempre entonces.You should use the usual soap then.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, la, picazón, piel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
