Why do we itch? How to help with itchiness

cause and solution to itching

Photo by Levent Simsek from Pexels

We’ve all had that one itch that we can’t scratch. Right in the middle of the back that we can’t reach. Constantly nagging at us to scratch it.

Even if we do scratch it, it’s not always a good idea to do so because the scratch will feel good but the itch will come back either in the same spot or in a different place. We will then scratch that place to repeat the cycle of itchiness.

What is an itch?

An “itch is sensed by nerve fibers called pruiceptors” and the pruiceptors sends a signal to the brain to recognize an itch then it sends a signal back through our motor neurons to tell us to scratch.

Two types of itches

• Acute itch is when an itch is either instantaneous or lasts up to six weeks. Theses are nothing to be worried about because these are easy to fix itches that can be as simple as skin being dry or could be from contact from poison ivy. Neither are life threatening but I’m not saying it isn’t unpleasant to have poison ivy but its not serious either.
• Chronic itch is an itch that lasts more then six weeks. If an itch lasts more then six weeks, you should consult your doctor because it could be serious. The scratch might be dermatitis…