| Rehabilitating itch |
| Itch | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The first misconception;
"An irritating skin sensation"
Itch and pain have always been considered as two distinct phenomenons.
Recent scientific research on itch even tries to prove that they take different neuronal routes to the brain.
Science differentiates two types of itch:
•Itch with a known cause; such as the reaction to insect bites, eczema, parasites, allergies, ...
•Itch of unknown cause (Sine materia); this constitutes the bulk of our everyday itching. Scientists have always been baffled by it
because patients would feel severe itching, but the skin would not present any lesion.
In fact
The itching from unknown cause is low level pain.
This pain comes from folds and their crossings in the skin.
Folded skin feels like pinched skin.
The sensation varies in intensity depending on your actions and your health condition.
The second misconception;
"causing a desire to scratch"
That was before the rediscovery of grooming.
Scratching is the wrong response.
It will do nothing to cure the itch in the long run and it will damage your skin.
In fact
Itch is a perfectly well-designed natural sensation, telling you where your body needs grooming.
It is not to be ignored.
Your body is urging you "Groom me there!"
When your nail explores the itching location, it will find a fold crossing.
It is best to groom the spot immediately because the itch may not come back for a while.
Histamine
Histamine is a biogenic amine produced by body cells that triggers an inflammatory response.
It is part of your immune system to warn you against foreign pathogens.
However, tests show that no histamine is involved in the majority of itches.
This is because the itching has mechanical origins (folds).
