This is posted in advance via timestamp. I’ll be away for the next 2 weeks
I’ve always wondered why do people itch
What’s the cause anyway …
Well here’s Wikipedia to the rescue
I copied the important parts
- Itch (Latin: pruritus) is defined as an unpleasant sensation that evokes the desire or reflex to scratch. Itch has many similarities to pain and both are unpleasant sensory experiences but their behavioral response patterns are different. Pain creates a reflex withdrawal while itch leads to a scratch reflex
- Itch can originate in the peripheral nervous system (dermal or neuropathic) or in the central nervous system (neuropathic, neurogenic, or psychogenic)
- Studies have been done to show that itch receptors are only found on the top two skin layers, the epidermis and the epidermal/dermal transition layers
- Itch is also associated with some psychiatric disorders such as delusions of parasitosis or related obsessive-compulsive disorders, for example neurotic scratching
- Any stimulus that causes pain will inhibit itching
- The feeling of itchiness can be caused by a movement of hair or the release of a chemical (histamine) from cells under the skin. Itchiness is regarded as protective, as it helps creatures remove parasites that land on their skin
- Itching can be caused by Insect bites, such as those from mosquitos or chiggers.
- Itching can be caused by Allergic reactions to contact with specific chemicals, such as Urushiol from Poison Ivy or Poison Oak.
- Itching can be caused by shaving, which may irritate the skin
- Itching can be caused by Dandruff (an unusually large amount of flaking is associated with this sensation)
- Itching can be caused by Photodermatitis – (sun)light reacts with chemicals in the skin, leading to the formation of irritant metabolites
So there you go, the reason why we scratch when it itches
The info is pretty technical but you get the point right
I don’t know about you gals, but we guys are not ashamed to scratch ‘where it doesn’t shine’
Hahaha
