Boing Boing

Boing Boing

Scratching an itch is both bad and good for you

Allan Rose Hill
Jan 31, 2025
∙ Paid

image: Photo-Vista.de/Shutterstock

Itch-scratching is a paradox. It can be both bad and good for you, a new scientific study suggests.

According to the University of Pittsburgh scientists, poison ivy and other allergens trigger mast cells in your body that release chemicals that can result in itching and inflammation. Scratching the itch makes it worse.

"T…

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