Itch..........?

Question

Please tell me what makes an itch....itchy

Answer 1

The central chemical involved in itching is histamine, a molecule released by mast cells in the skin. Histamine is the chemical that causes the itch and reddening when bitten by insects. It binds to local nerve endings on specific receptors.

An itch from cutaneous (skin-related) stimuli, such as movement of small hairs on the body, is transmitted along the same pathway as pain. An itch caused by histamine is transmitted to the brain by a different neural pathway, described in 2001 by Andrew et al. As with pain, a histamine-induced itch travels via the spinothalamic tract, but in fibres specific for itch.


Causes
The feeling of itchiness can be caused by a movement of hairs or the release of a chemical (histamine) from cells under the skin. Itchiness is regarded as protective, as it helps creatures remove parasites that land on their skin.

Common causes for itching can be:

Skin conditions (such as psoriasis, eczema, sunburn and many others). Most are of inflammatory nature.
Insect bites, such as those from mosquitos or chiggers.
Allergic reactions to contact with specific chemicals, such as Urushiol from Poison Ivy or Poison Oak.
Hodgkin's disease
Jaundice (bilirubin is a skin irritant at high concentrations)
Polycythemia, which can cause generalized itching due to increased histamine
Scabies or infection with lice or worms
Medication:
Allergy
Photodermatitis – (sun)light reacts with chemicals in the skin, leading to the formation of irritant metabolites
Directly (e.g. morphine)

Answer 2

Histamines. Generally produced by your immune system and amassed at sites of infection (ie: insect bites), and you feel this as an itch.

Answer 3

Heat,Bacteria,pus or acid from insect bites makes an itch.....itchy.

Answer 4

It is the signal your nerves are sending your brain. That's what an itch is.

Answer 5

Haven't you got anything else to worry about?
Use a vagisil, for 'feminine' itches. *lol*