Scratching an itch is almost irresistible — even though it can make a problem worse. Now researchers have discovered a mechanism that explains the "itch-scratch cycle".

Scratching isn’t just a bad habit — it’s an immune defense mechanism. While it fuels inflammation, it also helps fight ...

Scratching an itch can bring a contradictory wave of pleasure and misery. A mouse study on scratching, reported in the Jan. 31 Science, fleshes out this ...

Scratching where it itches reduces the presence of potentially harmful bacteria on the skin, studies in mice show.

Itch-scratching is a paradox. It can be both bad and good for you, a new scientific study suggests. LIKE BOING BOING BUT NOT ...

The following is a summary of “Exploring itch in hidradenitis suppurativa with lessons from atopic dermatitis and psoriasis,” published in the January 2025 issue of Dermatology by Trupiano et al. Itch ...

New research uncovers the dual nature of scratching an itch; although it can worsen skin inflammation, it can also boost ...

However, the mechanisms by which scratching contributes to skin inflammation and whether the itch-scratch reflex offers any benefits to the host remain poorly understood. Using a novel genetically ...

AD, The most common inflammatory skin disorder worldwide, is a highly heterogeneous condition with current treatments that do ...

Recent research has focused on understanding the complex mechanisms behind itch sensation and identifying potential therapeutic targets to alleviate this condition. This body of work has revealed ...