A new study on mice has shed light on the complex relationship between itching, pain, relief, and skin health. Scientists applied allergens to the ears of mice with dermatitis, a form of skin inflammation, to investigate the scratching cycle.
The researchers found that mice allowed to scratch their ears freely experienced more inflammation and a stronger immune response compared to those that couldn’t. However, they also discovered that scratching was linked to lower levels of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium known to cause skin infections, in scratched mice.
While the study’s findings may seem counterintuitive, experts say identifying the underlying circuit behind the itch-scratch cycle could lead to more effective treatments for breaking the cycle.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/scientists-uncover-mechanism-behind-vicious-itch-scratch-cycle