Scratching activates mast cells that release histamine and substance P, creating a prolonged itch-scratch cycle that worsens ...

Don’t scratch that bug bite or rash, you’ll make it worse. But why would something that feels so good be bad? A lot of things ...

If scratching an itch feels good why is it bad for you? - Ignore a mosquito bite and the itch is ‘gone in five or 10 minutes ...

Add Popular Science (opens in a new tab) More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results.

See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. In terms of evolution, reflexes like scratching an itch may not seem as ...

🛍️ Amazon Prime Day: The best deals chosen by our editors 🛍️ By Laura Baisas Published Feb 21, 2026 8:00 AM EST Add Popular Science (opens in a new tab) More information Adding us as a Preferred ...

Ever had poison ivy? If so, you probably noticed that scratching made the rash much worse. But scratching an itch, especially one as intense as that caused by poison ivy, is nigh irresistible — and ...

A check mark. It indicates that the relevant content has been reviewed and verified by an expert Our stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful ...

Don't scratch that bug bite or rash, you'll make it worse. But why would something that feels so good be bad? A lot of thing ...