Studies show that gently touching the skin is more effective at relieving itching than intense scratching.
A mosquito bites you near your ear, and within a few minutes, a red mark appears on your arm. The first reaction is to scratch: once, twice, three… up to ten times or more. And the more itchy you get, the more you want to keep going. If you’ve heard that scratching can make things worse, science now confirms it.
Scratching does not alleviate the problem. Researchers from the University of Miami proven that scratching is not effective in reducing itching. On the contrary: it activates the so-called “cycle itching-scratch”. The more you scratch, the more inflamed the skin becomes, the more histamine is released and the more it itches: a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
So what to do?
The recommendation is clear: resist the temptation to scratch whenever possible. If you can’t, prefer to massage gently with your fingers or stroke with a soft brush. According to the team led by Tasuku Akiyama, gently stroking the skin, even near the exact spot of the itch, sends signals that block the sensation before it reaches the brain.
A year later, the same effect was observed in another experiment with 61 volunteers, using a simple trick: slowly passing a makeup brush over the skin.
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See also
Itching: what it is and how to treat itchy skin
Showering every day is not a universal recommendation for all humans, and science explains why
To wash or not wash new clothes before wearing them for the first time? This is what the experts say
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
