Scratching an itch can be very satisfying., and now a recent study has revealed the biological science behind the sensation of itchiness. An itch was believed to be a mild form of pain, but the study results found that there is separate neural circuitry in the brain specifically for itchiness.


Scratching an itch can be very satisfying, and now a recent study has revealed the biological science behind the sensation of itchiness.

An itch was once believed to be a mild form of pain, but past studies found that there is separate neural circuitry in the brain specifically for itchiness. But how it was triggered was still a mystery.

In 2013, researchers from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Maryland identified unique neurons producing a chemical called NppB that causes itchiness.

They tested mice that were genetically modified to have lower levels of Nppb, or had damaged receptors.

Results of the study show that itchiness is triggered by the release of Nppb, and can be blocked by resistance to the chemical.

The data might be used to develop drugs that could treat diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic itch problems.

Another alternative treatment for itching involves using a mirror.

According to a different study from researchers at the University of Lübeck in Germany, scratching unaffected skin reflected by the mirror where the irritated skin should be, helped to relieve the painful sensation.