Why do we itch and why does it give us the urge to scratch?

Question

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Answer 1

Its the buggy wuggys, in ur Bludy wuddy` they tickle from the inside` n make you itchy pitchy`?

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why do we itch and why does it give us the urge to scratch?
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Answer 3

What is an itch?

Itch can be caused by a wide variety of physical and chemical stimuli, such as light pressure, warming, exposure to acids or bases, or histamine release (allergic reactions). As a practical matter, a major factor in itching is damaged skin. Dryness, either from outdoor exposure or dry heated air, and contact with detergents or hot water can break down the protective barrier that skin provides and allow nerve endings in the skin surface to become irritated.


Because itch can be elicited in so many ways, scientists have constructed a fairly detailed classification system. In general though, itch can be divided into 2 categories, sensory itch and allergic itch. Sensory itch is distinguished from allergic itch by the lack of external skin rash or irritation at the itch site


Should I scratch the itch?

Itching usually prompts scratching, which can sometimes lead to a vicious itch-scratch cycle. Scratching can initially feel so satisfying - but prolonged scratching just leaves you with irritated skin that can still itch! Since scratching provides only temporary relief and doesn't promote healing of the underlying problem, it is best to avoid scratching if at all possible.

If scratching breaks open the skin, bacterial infection can set in. And if scratching continues for many months or years, the area that is scratched may develop thickened skin (lichenification) or pigmentation that darkens the area.


The best way to allow irritated skin to heal is to stop scratching it. However, will-power often is not enough since the urge to itch can be compelling. Here are some general measures to help control itch, regardless of the cause.


What are topical (external) itch treatments?

Cold applications: Because cold and itch travel along the same nerve fibers, the use of cold can "jam the circuits" and deaden itch. Methods of applying cold include:

Cool water, either by running tap water over the affected area or placing a cold clean washcloth on the skin.

Cool showers.

Ice packs, either the kind you buy or ice cubes in a plastic baggie.

Hot water (in the shower, for instance) feels good temporarily, but it often leaves you feeling itchier later. Plus hot water exacerbates the problem by drying the skin. even more. Therefore, the use of hot water is not recommended.


Anti-itch creams and lotions:

Look for over-the-counter (OTC) remedies with these ingredients:
camphor ;mentol; phenol; pramoxine; diphenhydramine; benzocaine or of the other caine anesthetics.

Antihistaminics

Histamines are largely responsible for the itchiness associated with allergies, hence the relief provided by antihistamines.



You can apply these products over and over -- every few minutes if needed. These preparations help numb the nerve endings and stop you from a frenzy of scratching, which leaves the skin raw, sore, and even itchier
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Although hydrocortisone-containing creams and lotions are often promoted as itch-reducers, this ingredient only helps an itch that is caused by a rash responsive to cortisone, such as eczema and seborrhea.

Since OTC hydrocortisone-containing creams and lotions are weak (even so-called "maximum-strength" products are only 1%), they aren't too helpful for itch even in responsive conditions.

When itch is caused by irritations of other sorts (insect bites, for instance), hydrocortisone doesn't help much at all. If you use hydrocortisone for 10 days and experience no improvement. In this instance, I discovered that Calamine and Caladryl lotions are helpful. They come in colorless form now to void staining your clothes.

Answer 4

Aargh thinking about itching makes me itch, so does talking about mozzies and nits
itch is as far as i can tell very low level of pain
dont know why we have to scratch we just do

Answer 5

how funny my daughter & I were thinking the samething last wk and thought of putting this has a "Q" too!!....lol the person above me sound like she did her homework!!!! i was just itching my neck when I brought up your Q!!!!....no joke!!!!