The researchers also demonstrated that scratching prompts pain-sensing neurons to release a chemical known as substance P, which triggers mast cells: cells involved in the immune system, causing inflammation and itchiness via neutrophils.

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

Nail’d it! Scratching an itchy rash can feel sooo good — that’s because the rubbing creates a mild pain sensation that distracts the brain from the itch. The pain triggers the brain to release serotonin,

Constantly scratching and picking at an itchy rash really does make it worse. But why? According to newly released research using mice as a model, scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis.

Mice that were free to scratch their itchy ears saw the number of immune cells go up and levels of infection-causing bacteria decline

Scratching isn’t just a bad habit — it’s an immune defense mechanism. While it fuels inflammation, it also helps fight infections by drawing immune cells to the skin. Scientists have uncovered how this paradoxical process works,