Which of the following terms describes a type of skin infection characterized by itching?

The term that specifically describes the sensation of itching is "pruritus." It is a medical term used broadly to denote the uncomfortable feeling that provokes the desire to scratch the skin. Pruritus can occur due to a variety of skin conditions, infections, or allergic reactions.

Dermatitis, while it can be associated with itching and inflammation, is an overarching term that refers to inflammation of the skin itself and encompasses various types of skin conditions, such as eczema and contact dermatitis. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that primarily affects the feet and may lead to itching as one of its symptoms, but it does not represent the broader term for itching. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is a specific chronic skin condition that can also cause itching but is primarily characterized by scaly patches and not just the sensation of itching itself.

Thus, pruritus is the most accurate choice as it specifically identifies the symptom of itching rather than a condition associated with itching.