Scratching
Scratching is a common response to an itch or irritation on the skin. It involves the physical act of rubbing or applying pressure to the skin with nails, fingers, or an object. While scratching can provide temporary relief from itching, it can also lead to further irritation or damage to the skin, potentially causing infections or exacerbating conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Causes of Itching[edit | edit source]
Itching can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergic reactions, dry skin, insect bites, and underlying medical conditions such as liver disease or kidney failure. It is a symptom that can affect any area of the body and can vary in intensity from mild to severe.
Mechanism[edit | edit source]
The sensation of itching is transmitted to the brain through a complex interaction between the skin, nervous system, and immune system. When the skin is irritated, it releases chemicals like histamine that trigger itch receptors in the skin. These receptors send signals through the nerves to the brain, where the itch sensation is perceived.
Complications of Scratching[edit | edit source]
Frequent or intense scratching can lead to skin damage, such as abrasions, lacerations, or infections. In some cases, it can also cause a cycle of itching and scratching known as the "itch-scratch cycle," where scratching exacerbates the itch, leading to more scratching and further skin damage.
Management and Treatment[edit | edit source]
The management of itching and scratching involves treating the underlying cause, if known, and taking steps to protect the skin and prevent further irritation. This may include the use of moisturizers to hydrate the skin, antihistamines to reduce itching, and topical steroids to reduce inflammation. In some cases, behavioral therapies may be recommended to help individuals reduce scratching.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventive measures include avoiding known irritants, using gentle skin care products, and keeping the skin moisturized. Wearing soft, breathable clothing and keeping fingernails short can also help reduce skin damage from scratching.
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
