Why do we itch? | Pruritus is important
The average person experiences dozens of individual itches each day. Have you ever wondered why we itch? What causes the itch?
An itch, also known as pruritus, is a general sensation arising from the irritation of skin cells or nerve cells associated with the skin. While it can be annoying or inconvenient sometimes, pruritus serves as an important sensory and self-protective mechanism, as do other skin sensations such as touch, pain, vibration, cold, and heat.
To stop the constant need to scratch, you need to know why you get itchy in the first place. Itches can be triggered by a variety of reasons. It could be allergic reactions, dryness, or some diseases. But there are some mysterious reasons too! However, if you’re not getting relief, or your itching is getting worse, it might be time to see your doctor.
To learn more about the research done so far on itches, check out the video below!
