Yes. You stimulate tactile receptors in the skin which in turn override the "itching" sensation neurons in the spinal cord, promoting relief of the "bad" sensation and informing the body that the possible injury (perceived as an itch) has been removed.
That is the same principle applied when you decrease the pain from an injury by rubbing it.
Matt72033 From United Kingdom, joined May 2005, 1617 posts, RR: 4 Reply 2, posted (7 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 4345 times:
Quoting Flyingbabydoc (Reply 1): Yes. You stimulate tactile receptors in the skin which in turn override the "itching" sensation neurons in the spinal cord, promoting relief of the "bad" sensation and informing the body that the possible injury (perceived as an itch) has been removed.
That is the same principle applied when you decrease the pain from an injury by rubbing it
how come when you scratch a mosquito bite or a rash it itches even more?
FutureUALpilot From United States of America, joined May 2000, 2561 posts, RR: 8 Reply 3, posted (7 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 4336 times:
Quoting Matt72033 (Reply 2):
how come when you scratch a mosquito bite or a rash it itches even more?
Probably because it irritates the bite, or spreads the rash around. Just my guess, perhaps somebody can confirm or correct me.
Matt72033 From United Kingdom, joined May 2005, 1617 posts, RR: 4 Reply 4, posted (7 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 4321 times:
Quoting FutureUALpilot (Reply 3): Probably because it irritates the bite, or spreads the rash around. Just my guess, perhaps somebody can confirm or correct me.
Raffik From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2006, 1644 posts, RR: 4 Reply 12, posted (7 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 4192 times:
Scratching is the natural reaction to itching and it generally provides instant relief, but not necessarily long-lasting relief. Very often the itch will go away with or without any scratching. Your nose itches, or your scalp, or your foot. For many everyday itches, a little scratch is just what is called for. Scratching excites the pain neurons and masks the itching sensation.
Regardless of the cause of your itching, a little scratch might solve the problem. If that doesn't work, you might try a cool compress, a moisturizer, or over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or antihistamines. (Be sure you read all labels carefully and follow directions.)
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