Scratching that bug bite might feel good at first but science explains why it’s a bad idea
Summary
Scratching a bug bite or rash may feel good at first but can actually make the itch worse and cause more swelling. Scientists studied mice to see how scratching affects the skin and found that scratching activates immune cells that increase inflammation.Key Facts
- Scratching an itch damages the skin and can lead to a cycle of more itching and scratching.
- Researchers used "cones of shame" on mice to stop them from scratching and found less swelling and irritation.
- Normal mice that were allowed to scratch developed more inflamed and swollen rashes.
- Scratching causes pain-sensing nerves to release a substance that activates immune cells called mast cells.
- Mast cells release chemicals that cause the itch and swelling to get worse.
- A little scratch feels good because it may help remove parasites or fight some bacteria on the skin.
- Ignoring a mosquito bite usually makes the itch go away quickly, but scratching prolongs the problem.
- The study looked specifically at allergic contact dermatitis caused by irritants like poison ivy or nickel.
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