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Why Scratching an Itch feels so Good?
Jun
30
2010
Scratching is a very common occurrence. We are always scratching ourselves. We feel good when we scratch. It provides relief from the itching sensation. We get pleasure out of it. It eases out other painful sensations. But my question is that why scratching an itch feels so good?
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Answer #1
Doctors belonging to Wake Forest University, in North Carolina, used a small brush to scratch 13 healthy volunteers. It was observed that the unpleasant memories and sensations were blocked and the brain received the pleasant sensation of the itching.
Some areas of the brain were activated through itching, including the areas, which deal with the compulsive behavior of itching itself. Understanding itching could help in the treatment of severe itching, eczema and liver patients and diabetics, who suffer from constant itching.
Scratching can block negative emotions received by the brain. It activated parts of the brain, which were associated with pleasure and memory and suppressed emotion that caused pain. People continue to scratch till the itch bleeds. Babies do not cry when they scratch and bleed. In case they are hurt they immediately cry.
Scratching may not always be pleasurable if it is indicative of a skin disease. People do not like to scratch at odd hours. Sometimes socially it may become difficult. Scratching can make a person appear unhygienic. Obviously, scratching would be avoided under such circumstances.
Scratch and scratch and feel good. Get much pleasure out of it. Scratching sends positive emotions to the brain and reduces pain sensations. Next time you scratch look at it as an act of pleasure.