Why Does Scratching Make Itching Worse?

It’s hard to resist the urge to scratch an itch, but doing so could help break that vicious cycle of itchiness.

Hosted by: Stefan Chin

----------
----------
Dooblydoo thanks go to the following Patreon supporters: Lazarus G, Sam Lutfi, D.A. Noe, سلطان الخليفي, Piya Shedden, KatieMarie Magnone, Scott Satovsky Jr, Charles Southerland, Patrick D. Ashmore, Tim Curwick, charles george, Kevin Bealer, Chris Peters
----------
Looking for SciShow elsewhere on the internet?
----------
Sources:

[caddydonstans]

Scientists either name something too creatively, or not at all.

[LittleBitVic]

And now I'm scratching the rash that was healing perfectly until SOMEONE made a video. >:c

[a-bird-lover]

We're here for a good time not a long time (pulls out backscratcher)

[justinleong]

You know what is more satisfying? it is gentle movement of your nail on your itchy side.

[Master_Therion]

A few years ago I went to a rave and the DJ was scratching like crazy.
I swear, he must hold the record for most scratches.

[electronicsNmore]

I've seen people scratch itchy skin due to food allergies to the point where you can see the scratch marks and blood.

[valornthered]

I've taken to slapping my itches. It still dulls the itchiness with pain like scratching, but without the risk of breaking the skin from scratching too hard when it starts getting REALLY itchy. Although it is much more noticeable by other people when you're randomly slapping a bite on your arm.

[camgood]

Since I was a kid, I've found that digging my nail directly into the skin where it itches for a few seconds tends to alleviate the itch (raking the nail over the surface doesn't do much). This might be because it breaks up histimine built up under the skin. Also, I've found that when I have a severe itch, it's usually because of a buildup of dead skin in a particular area. So, if I carefully use my nail to scrape all of the dead skin away, it typically gets rid of the itch completely..

[unleashingpotential-psycho]

Do a video on how antiallergy pills stop itching :)

[avtic]

They scratch, they scratch!
We scratch and scratch!
The Itchy & Scratchy Show!
Fight, fight! Fight!

[gravijta]

For some reason, rubbing a live chicken on itchy skin makes the itch go away. So you should always keep a chicken handy!

[justaracoonchillinginatoilet]

i subconsciously itched myself at least ten times whilst watching this video

[heikothedwarf]

Perfect timing, just got back from a backpacking trip!

[generalizedkyle]

The only true way to stop an itch is amputation.

[phyrofox]

This may sound weird but I find rubbing the affected area with an ice cube helpful. Give the cold will dull the itch response and the water may wash away surface irritants, also if like a bug bite can reduce swelling and at least appear to reduce an associated rash (though that illusory on my part).

[cbgirl]

Why is itching contagious seeing people scratch makes me itch

[YounesLayachi]

The urge to scratch overwhelms my brain functions

[natalieg]

Thank you for posting. I have chronic hive, and found this information to be very helpful. It's instinctual to scratch when something itches, but I know first had it makes it worse.

[tecneon]

This makes sense for eczema too, if I itch too much I get wayyy itchier

[etuanno]

I had great resuilts with crucifiying (makling a cross with your nails on the sting (pretty deep but not that you're bleeding)) moscito stings. I guess the pain lasts so long that the itiching doesn't return(it doesn't hurt that bad.) :)