The relationship between itches and scratching just got a little more complicated. A new study on scratching (yes, scientists study actions as seemingly banal as scratching) revealed that the act of scratching actually reduces activity in the brain region associated with negative emotions and unpleasant memories. This could be why scratching that itch feels so good.
The sensation of an itch is rather physiologically complicated, as is the scratch that relieves it. An itch involves not just the skin but the spinal cord and brain, too. While scratching an itch is a reflex response (the action removes irritants), there is a lot of neurological activity happening to help you to hit the right spot. When you do hit the right spot, it feels great. The researchers were actually interested in why scratching inhibits or alleviates the itching sensation. It looks like they are one step closer to figuring out why the itch got scratched.
My question to you is, do you feel a little itchy after reading this post?
Princesse Tam-Tam
Monsoon
Marithe' F. Girbaud
Ha! While reading this I got an itch in my shoulder. Scratching it did feel good!
1What about those strange itches you get once in awhile that you just can't find no matter how much you scratch? Those are weird and annoying.
2that little itch could also be lice! lol
3I had itch on my shoulder too while reading this.
4i think I'm slighty allergic to my shampoo so my head itches. I love when scratch a good itch. best feeling!
5Oh wow this is interesting...
I'm going to scratch away now...
6yeah, now I'm all itchy, especially on my shoulder too. isn't that weird? Maybe they should do a study on why whenever someone talks about itching it happens on their shoulders.
7YES!
8My chin all of a sudden...
On my shoulder, too! CREEPY!
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