Date Published: February 12, 2025
Time Published: 6:30 AM
A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh published on January 30, shows that scratching an itch can have both good and bad effects on the skin as it can worsen inflammation but help fight harmful bacteria.
In an experiment with mice, those that scratched their itchy ears showed more swelling and redness compared to mice that were wearing tiny Elizabethan collars or pet cone, preventing them from scratching.
Researchers found that scratching activates their pain-sensing nerves that release a chemical called substance P. This chemical triggers immune cells known as mast cells, which are responsible for causing inflammation.
On the other hand, scratching also helps reduce harmful bacteria on their skin, particularly ππ΅π’π±π©πΊππ°π€π°π€π€πΆπ΄ π’πΆπ³π¦πΆπ΄, which can lead to infections.
They found that mice allowed to scratch had fewer bacteria than those that could not scratch. This suggests that scratching may play a protective role against infections even if it causes other issues.
Dr. Daniel Kaplan, a dermatologist and immunologist at the University of Pittsburgh, explained that scratching improves defense against Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting it could be beneficial in some contexts. But the damage that scratching does to the skin outweighs its benefit when itching is chronic.
“Some scratching might provide a benefit against Staph aureus, but if you scratch a lot, you're going to cause a lot of damage to the skin,” Kaplan explained.
"So, if you have an itch, don’t scratch it. It’ll only make the rash worse.” he added.
Individuals are advised to consider using alternatives such as soothing lotions, cool compresses, or medications to relieve irritation instead of giving in to the urge to scratch.
Understanding these effects could lead to better treatments for chronic skin conditions like eczema, where itching is a major symptom. While scratching may provide temporary relief, excessive scratching can worsen inflammation.
By focusing on the mechanisms behind scratching and its impact on skin health, researchers hope to develop therapies that can help individuals better manage their skin conditions.
REFERENCES:
[1] Ware, S. (2025, February 1). It's tough to resist scratching an itch — and evolution may be to blame. livescience.com. https://www.livescience.com/.../its-tough-to-resist...
[2] Sahana, S. (2025, January 30). Why do we scratch an itch?. The Scientist. https://www.the-scientist.com/why-do-we-scratch-an-itch...
[3] Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. (2025, January 30). Scratching an itch: A double edge sword that sharpens inflammation and immune defenses. https://www.genengnews.com/.../scratching-an-itch-a.../
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