Scratching a bug bite or rash may seem irresistible, but it’ll only provide temporary relief and likely prolong the itch, researchers found.Scratching is a natural response to a skin irritant that increases skin inflammation and can make certain diseases, such as eczema, worse.But why scratching exacerbates swelling and whether the evolutionary response offers any benefit is something University of Pittsburgh researchers said remained "poorly explored."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERTo investigate the relationship between itch, scratching and inflammation, the researchers, led by University of Pittsburgh professor of dermatology and immunology Daniel H.
Kaplan, applied an allergen to the ears of mice to trigger allergic-contact dermatitis, an eczema-like inflammatory skin condition.The mice developed the type of skin reaction people commonly have to poison ivy, certain metals, like nickel, and some skincare ingredients.Scratching an itchy bite or rash is a natural reaction, but doing so will prolong the cycle, research suggests.(iStock)One group of mice was designated as "normal," while another group was genetically modified to lack an itch-sensing neuron.A set of mice was allowed to scratch freely, while another was prevented from scratching with an Elizabethan-style collar, often referred to as the "cone of shame" among pet owners.The researchers found that scratching activated mast cells, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as part of the body's "alarm system" that "look out for harmful invaders." Mast cells release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause itchiness.CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS"Sometimes, they activate when they shouldn’t, causing allergic reactions," Cleveland Clinic explained.The researchers found the mice that scratched freely released more substance P, a signaling molecule that activated more mast cells, causing increased inflammation and a prolonged itch-scratch cycle.The mice that were prevented ...