Scientists Discover Why We Know when to Stop Scratching an Itch

Scientists discover why we know when to stop scratching an itch

When you scratch an itch, something tells your brain when to stop. That moment of relief, when scratching feels "enough," is not accidental. Scientists have now identified a key molecular and neural mechanism behind this built-in braking system, shedding new light on how the body regulates itch and why this control fails in chronic conditions.

How your body knows when to stop scratching

Cold, dry winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin, drying it out and making us feel like one giant itch. Yet when it comes to scratching all of those dry patches, something inside our brains signals when it’s time to stop. That moment of relief is not accidental, and scientists have now pinpointed the key mechanisms behind it. The findings are being presented this weekend at the 70th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Califo…

This itch-triggering protein also sends signals to stop scratching

The TRPV4 protein’s dual nature, found in studies with mice, may complicate the hunt for human itch treatments

Science figures out why we know when to stop scratching an itch

By Stephen Beech Relief for millions of eczema patients is a major step nearer after scientists discovered why we know when to stop scratching an itch. Researchers have identified a sensory channel that acts as the body's built-in "enough scratching" signal. They say the breakthrough could help develop more effective treatments for chronic itching conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and kidney disease. The research team explained that when we …