Why It Is Sometimes a Good Thing to Scratch that Itch!
There are several skin conditions that can cause mild to severe itching.
Skin conditions that are commonly associated with itchiness include: eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, dry skin, athletes foot, jock itch and more.
Researchers have been trying to find out why we enjoy scratching an itch even though it can result in harmful inflammation to the affected area and even red and raw skin.
They have discovered that scratching an itch can prompt our immune systems to attack infections.
More about this research
Scratching is a natural and instinctive response to the sensation of an itch - and it plays a role in many skin conditions. Scratching can feel so good but that same pleasurable feeling can also result in harmful inflammation where we scratch.
In addition, scratching can also aggravate the condition with a self perpetuating "itch-scratch cycle" even leading to worse symptoms and slower healing. Daniel Kaplan of the University of Pittsburgh (the American Association for the Advancement of Science) has been researching this subject.
He tells us: "Scratching is often pleasurable, which suggests that, in order to have evolved, this behaviour must provide some kind of benefit. Our study helps resolve this paradox by providing evidence that scratching also provides defence against bacterial skin infections."
- The researchers used mice to explore the effect of eliminating the function of itch-sensing neurons.
- They induced eczema-like symptoms on the ears of both normal mice and mice with a modified genome that prevents the urge to scratch.
- They also placed tiny collars on some of the normal mice.
When normal mice scratched, their ears became swollen and filled with inflammatory immune cells. The inflammation and swelling was much milder in normal mice wearing the collar, however, as was the case with those that lacked the itch-sensing neuron.
The experiment confirmed to the researchers that scratching aggravates the skin but also causes pain sensing neurons to release mast cells which are important for protecting against bacteria and other pathogens.
The researchers are now investigating possible new therapies for dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions that may help suppress inflammation by targeting receptors on mast cells.
But in the meantime what can you do about those skin conditions that cause itching?
Eczema
Our H-Eczema Formula works to:
- Provide relief from itching and discomfort
- Decrease the severity and frequency of symptoms
- Soothe the skin
H-Eczema Formula helps to reduce your outbreaks and to assist in smoothing and moisturizing the skin, addressing the signs of eczema (itching, dryness). Apply three times a day to provide fast relief from symptoms such as itching and dryness or the discomfort of weeping eczema while with ongoing use, will help reduce outbreaks and control your skin irritation.
Psoriasis
While a psoriasis cure may not have been developed yet, it is possible to control the frequency and severity of psoriasis symptoms, naturally. H-Psoriasis Formula is a breakthrough topical homeopathic product. It has a deep penetrating action, is gentle on your skin.
H-Psoriasis Formula is applied to the affected areas and added to the bath for a healing and restorative soak. In addition, the analgesic component will relieve the symptoms of discomfort and itching. Once the process has been completed, the product can then be used as a maintenance program.
The Formula is topically applied to the condition three times a day to help with the symptoms of this non-contagious skin disease (however severe) by first clearing the flaking and lesions and then repairing the damaged skin.
Dry skin
Our Simply Body Oil is made from a blend of pure natural essential oils and cold pressed or expeller pressed precious oils to instantly improve the skin's natural moisture. It deeply hydrates, softens and enhances the look of the skin providing nourishment and promoting radiant skin that is no longer dry.
The all natural ingredients combine to ensure hydrated and glowing skin. Ylang ylang pure essential oil is ideal for balancing the skin's natural oil secretion.
One of our favorites is Pomegranate oil which is so rich in Vitamins A, K, D, E and antioxidants and has a rapid absorption quotient. Sweet almond oil has a fine texture, is easily absorbed, and helps to leave the skin soft and satiny smooth yet it is non-greasy and easily absorbed.*
Apply the oil when your skin is still damp for maximum absorption.
- Delivers long-lasting hydration while creating a protective layer to help prevent moisture loss
- Imparts an otherworldly fragrance
- Leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth
Apply in the morning and night for perfect skin hydration. Also use as needed throughout the day.
Athlete's foot and Jock itch
This Formula will tackle the fungus that is present in both athlete's foot and jock itch skin conditions.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the feet and is highly contagious. The skin becomes dry, flaky and itchy. It mostly affects males and, if left untreated, may lead to blisters and cracks that can be painful and particularly itchy.
Known as tinea pedis, athletes foot thrives in dark, moist and warm conditions such as inside your shoe - especially if you have sweaty feet in close fitting socks and shoes. Minute fungi grow and multiply on the human skin, particularly the feet. Some people are more prone to this condition while others are able to resist the condition easily.
Our topical homeopathic Formula is natural, safe and relieves the itching and burning.
While there is no quick Jock Itch cure, this same Formula will help to relieve and address the symptoms of burning and itching safely and naturally.
- Provides fast jock itch symptoms relief
- All natural solution - no harmful chemicals
- Safe to use in sensitive areas - concentrated yet gentle
SOURCES:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39883751/
https://www.genengnews.com/topics/translational-medicine/scratching-an-itch-a-double-edge-sword-that-sharpens-inflammation-and-immune-defenses/
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.