Scratching where it itches reduces the presence of potentially harmful bacteria on the skin, studies in mice show.

Scratching isn’t just a bad habit — it’s an immune defense mechanism. While it fuels inflammation, it also helps fight ...

Scratching is something most of us do mindlessly. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, unless it is in hard to reach place. But ...

The researchers also demonstrated that scratching prompts pain-sensing neurons to release a chemical known as substance P, ...

The itch from bug bites, rashes, and other skin conditions can sometimes be so overpowering that it feels impossible to avoid ...

B­­rian Kim, Mount Sinai For most people, an itch caused by a mosquito bite or exposure to poison ivy fortunately causes temporary suffering. However, approximately 20% of people suffer from chronic ...

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 ...

Chronic itch, also known as pruritus, is a distressing condition that can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected. It can arise from various underlying causes, including skin ...

New research uncovers the dual nature of scratching an itch; although it can worsen skin inflammation, it can also boost ...

Scratching an itchy rash really does make it worse. Now we know why, thanks to new research published today in the journal ...

Researchers studied genetically modified mice that lack NP2 itch-sensing neurons, to investigate the connection between itch, scratch, and inflammation.