Why Do We Itch?

What You'll Learn

• Itching is a signal from your skin that something is irritating it
• Bug bites, dry skin, and allergies can all cause itching
• When you scratch, you send a new signal to your brain that temporarily blocks the itch
• Scratching too much can make the itch worse and damage your skin
• Histamine is a chemical your body releases that causes itching

Words to Know

Itch

A tingly feeling that makes you want to scratch

"The mosquito bite itches."

Histamine

A chemical your body releases that causes itching

"Histamine makes bug bites itch."

Scratch

Rubbing your skin with nails to stop an itch

"Don't scratch too hard!"

Nerve

A tiny wire that carries messages to your brain

"Nerves in your skin send itch signals."

Check What You Learned

Fun Facts

• Itching (pruritus) is a sensation triggered by nerve endings in the skin sending signals to the brain

  Source: American Academy of Dermatology

• Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system in response to irritants, bug bites, and allergies

  Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

• Mosquito bites inject saliva, triggering histamine release, which causes the bump and itch

  Source: CDC

• Scratching activates touch receptors that temporarily override itch signals in the spinal cord

  Source: Journal of Neuroscience

• Scratching too much can damage the skin barrier and lead to infection

  Source: AAD

• Dry skin is the most common cause of itching

  Source: Mayo Clinic