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.

New research published in the journal Science uncovers how scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a mouse model of a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis.

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,