Scratching that itch? Science confirms it only makes rashes worse
The research highlights why avoiding scratching is essential for healthier skin. Scratching may feel good in the moment, but it often makes rashes worse by increasing inflammation. While it can help fight bacteria, the long-term damage outweighs the short-term relief.
Should You Scratch That Itch? Science Has a Surprising Answer
The researchers also demonstrated that scratching prompts pain-sensing neurons to release a chemical known as substance P, which triggers mast cells: cells involved in the immune system, causing inflammation and itchiness via neutrophils.
Why it feels good to scratch that itch: the immune benefits of scratching
Scratching where it itches reduces the presence of potentially harmful bacteria on the skin, studies in mice show.
Why Do We Scratch An Itch When We Know It Hurts?
Scratching is something most of us do mindlessly. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, unless it is in hard to reach place. But it can also become a nuisance when you keep itching and end up hurting yourself,
Is there a benefit to scratching that itch? Yes and no, says new study
The itch from bug bites, rashes, and other skin conditions can sometimes be so overpowering that it feels impossible to avoid scratching them. But new research explains why you might want to hold off as long as you can.
The Itch Paradox: Why Scratching Hurts but Also Heals
Scratching isn’t just a bad habit — it’s an immune defense mechanism. While it fuels inflammation, it also helps fight infections by drawing immune cells to the skin. Scientists have uncovered how this paradoxical process works,
Scratching an itch is so good, and so bad
Scratching an itch can bring a contradictory wave of pleasure and misery. A mouse study on scratching, reported in the Jan. 31 Science, fleshes out this
Why you shouldn’t scratch an itchy rash: New study explains
Scratching an itchy rash really does make it worse. Now we know why, thanks to new research published today in the journal Science that uncovers how scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a mouse model of a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis.
Why scratching a rash really does make it worse
Constantly scratching and picking at an itchy rash really does make it worse. But why? According to newly released research using mice as a model, scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis.
Scratching an itch could help boost your immune defences
Mice that were free to scratch their itchy ears saw the number of immune cells go up and levels of infection-causing bacteria decline
Why scratching that itch can give health benefits - but also be bad for you
If scratching an itch feels so good, why do scientists say it’s so bad? Existing research suggests scratching itchy skin can often make it worse, aggravating a wound and spreading harmful bacteria. However,
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It's tough to resist scratching an itch — and evolution may be to blame
A new study conducted in mice suggests that, although it's not all good, our urge to scratch at itchy skin may have an ...
Scientists uncover mechanism behind the need to scratch an itch
Scratching an itch is almost irresistible — even though it can make a problem worse. Now researchers have discovered a mechanism that explains the "itch-scratch cycle".