Sciam - cover

From the June 2008 Scientific American Mind | 16 comments

Chronic Itching: Causes and Cures ( Preview )

How to get relief from the insatiable need to scratch

By Uwe Gieler and Bertram Walter   

 
e-mail print comment

Warning: just reading this article might make your skin crawl. Thinking about itching, seeing people scratch, looking at pictures of bedbugs or other itch inducers—all can bring on an irresistible urge to flick away that irksome feeling.

But itching—“pruritus,” to physicians—is more than an occasional nuisance. The sensation, which arises from an irritation of the nerve cells along the skin, serves as a helpful warning about potential hazards such as insects or foreign materials—and scratching is often a simple and effective method for dealing with them. Itching is also the main symptom of many skin diseases and appears in some systemic conditions, such as chronic renal disease, cirrhosis and some types of cancer.

Graphic - Get the Rest of the Article
Graphic - Get the Rest of the Article
If your institution has site license access, enter here.

Read Comments (16) | Post a comment


Share
Propeller    Digg!  Reddit delicious  Fark 
Slashdot    RT @sciam Chronic Itching: Causes and CuresTwitter Review it on NewsTrust 
sharebar end

You Might Also Like


Discuss This Article


Click here to submit your comment.

VIEW:

2,573 characters remaining
 
  Email me when someone responds to this discussion.
 

risk free issue 

Sciam - cover Email:
Name:
Address:
Address 2:
City:
State:  
spacer



World Changing Ideas



Editor's Pick


Newsletter

Basic Science Newsletter

Get weekly coverage delivered to your inbox


 Podcasts

  • 60-Second Science     RSS  · iTunes Botoxed Face Impairs Bad Feelings
    click to enable

    Download

  • 60-Second Science     RSS  · iTunes Distracted Customers' Wait Times Fly
    click to enable

    Download





ADVERTISEMENT
 
 


Also on Scientific American


© 2010 Scientific American, a division of Nature America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
ADVERTISEMENT