Why does scratching an itch relieve the itch?

Answer 1

i've read that scientists really don't know the reason why. One theory is that the sensation of scratching merely distracts from the sensation of itchiness. this could be true for bug bites, since the itchiness just comes back.
my idea is that if there is something irritating your skin than scratching it removes/scrapes off the irritant.

Answer 2

The nerve signal includes positioning to pinpoint the location of the itch, and the effect of the reflex is either an affective sensation or even an involuntary action to make a scratching movement that usually relieves the itch. The scratch reflex is a reflex to help an organism protect and rid its body of parasites and other irritants.

Answer 3

Because your mind picks up on the sensation of the scratching and the itch becomes a secondary sensation that temporarily goes away as you scratch. When you're done scratching, the itch then becomes a primary sensation once again, and that's once again all you can think about! Annoying isn't it? lol

Answer 4

To put it simply, scratching is a distraction to the sensation caused by the itch, or more precisely an INHIBITION to the stimulation caused by itch; the "itch" message sent to the brain is inhibited by the "scratching" stimulation.

That can be explained by the Gate Control Theory (where the act of scratching is a closing-gate mechanism to the "itch" message). Itch is actually a stimulation of T-cells that causes pain perception (thus, itch is some sort of very weak pain) Allergens or other itch-causing agents stimulates small-diameter nerve fibers that activate T-cells which in turn cause the "itchy" feeling. While scratching stimulates large-diameter nerve fibers, which does the opposite on the T-cells: large-diameter nerve fibers inhibit the T-cells to fire thus, causing you not to feel the "itchiness" anymore. The stimulation caused by the scratching races with the "itch" to some sort of "gate" of the nervous system (specifically, the substantia gelatinosa).

When the "scratching" reaches this substantia gelatinosa, it closes the "gate", thus, preventing the "itch" to reach your brain. =)

Answer 5

Itching can be caused by insect bites like mosquito bites, heat rashes or allergic reactions.Aloe vera gel , apple cider vinegar or vitamin E oil can be effectively used on the affected skin.
More cheap and natural remedies for itching at
http://www.wellnesstalk.org/itching.html

Answer 6

Like if you have chicken pox you itch it doesn't make it any better. If you like a itch on your arm that's dry skin itching it or some lotion. So sometimes itching will relive itching.

Answer 7

Next time I see Itch I'll ask him.

Answer 8

Nope you're actualy ripping open your skin by itching it.

Answer 9

it does not always work when it does it is because you provided an sensory overload from that spot and the itch no longer matters

Answer 10

Thats a really good question, I wish I knew the answer.....now your making me pick my brains! lOl