Why do we scratch? Scratching in response to itching is both pleasurable and harmful. In skin conditions, particularly dermatitis, scratching creates a vicious cycle, intensifying the itch and ...

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. It feels oh so good to scratch an itch, but exactly how much pleasure we get from scratching depends on exactly where on the body the ...

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have uncovered new insights into the dual nature of scratching an itch, indicating that while it can worsen skin inflammation, it can also boost immune ...

Scientists have uncovered a hidden “stop-scratching” signal in the nervous system that tells your brain when enough scratching is enough. The discovery centers on a molecule called TRPV4, which acts ...

How does the body know when to stop scratching an itch? New research is giving us more insight. Scientists have long known about the itch-scratch cycle. When an irritant gets on your skin, a ...

Forget what your parents told you, scratching an itch may be good for you, by boosting your body’s defence against bacteria. Scratching is a paradoxical phenomenon. It can feel nice to run your nails ...

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Dr. Tarbox: Hello and welcome to "Skincast," the podcast for people who want to learn how to take the very best care of the skin they're in. My name is Michelle Tarbox. I'm an academic dermatologist ...

When you have a pesky itch, scratching brings blissful relief—at first. But then the more you scratch, the more you itch, in a vicious cycle that ends up being more frustrating than satisfying. Now ...