Scratch That Itch? New Research Uncovers Risks and Unexpected Benefits

Scratching a rash triggers inflammation but also fights bacteria.
Scratch That Itch? New Research Uncovers Risks and Unexpected Benefits
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It turns out your mother was only half right about scratching that itch. While researchers have confirmed that scratching does indeed worsen skin inflammation, they’ve also uncovered an unexpected twist: The same scratching that inflames your rash may actually help protect you from harmful bacteria.

Scratching a minor skin infection can actually help your body’s immune system control the bacteria.

The Itch-Scratch Cycle

Using a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis—a type of eczema that causes itchy, swollen rashes—researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found out why scratching worsens skin inflammation.
George Citroner
George Citroner
Author
George Citroner reports on health and medicine, covering topics that include cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. He was awarded the Media Orthopaedic Reporting Excellence (MORE) award in 2020 for a story on osteoporosis risk in men.