Despite the saying “happiness is having a scratch for every itch,” itching often makes the itchy skin condition worse. So why is the instinct so strong? In a study with mice, researchers from the ...

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 head-scratching paradox and could point out ...

It's a universal childhood admonition: resist the urge to scratch that irritating bug bite or rash, lest you exacerbate the problem. Yet, the immediate relief scratching provides often makes this ...

One of the greatest pleasures in life is to scratch an itch — in both the real and figurative sense. Although scratching an itch provides immediate (albeit temporary) relief, it may actually trigger ...

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have uncovered new insights into the dual nature of scratching an itch, indicating that while it can worsen skin inflammation, it can also boost immune ...

WASHINGTON — You’ve likely heard it since childhood: Don’t scratch that bug bite or rash, you’ll make it worse. But why would something that feels so good be bad? A lot of things can cause itchiness, ...

Q: Is it true that you shouldn’t scratch itchy skin? What should I do instead? A: Scratching an itch can damage your skin and make the urge even worse. Instead, try rubbing or gently stroking it with ...

Scratching an itchy rash can feel sooo good — that’s because the rubbing creates a mild pain sensation that distracts the brain from the itch. The pain triggers the brain to release serotonin, the ...

Whether you have eczema, poison ivy exposure or minor skin irritation, dermatologists say these skin care products can help.

Bug bites are an almost unavoidable part of outdoor summer activities, but the overwhelming urge to scratch them often leads ...

The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. It’s a universal childhood admonition: resist the urge ...