When the skin is dry and the wound is almost healed, a feeling will be: itching!
Have you ever noticed that our first reaction to feeling itchy is to scratch. But scratching for a while, not only is it ineffective, it will get more and more itchy, until the skin is scratched, and the bright red flesh and blood flow out!
Why is that?
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First of all, the purpose of tickling is to stop the feeling of "itching". But in fact, the action of tickling does not solve the "itch" in essence.
Instead, it is solved by confusing the brain and making the brain think that the "itch" is tickled.
It turns out that tickling sends low-level pain signals to the brain through the nerves. Although it is "pain", the low level of pain signals actually makes the brain feel happy and comfortable.
This signal of pleasure temporarily distracts the brain, stimulating neurons to produce endogenous opioid peptides. Endogenous opioid peptides are natural tranquilizers in our body that slow down our heartbeat and feel comfortable, thereby suppressing the feeling of "itching".
This is why we slap ourselves hard after feeling itchy, but we feel inexplicably cool and crooked.
But when the tickling stops, the brain feels itchy again.
It's like a switch, and it's only when you tickle that you'll feel comfortable. But as long as you don't scratch it, the feeling of happiness and comfort immediately disappears, and the "itch" feeling returns.
From beginning to end, the feeling of "itching" has not disappeared, because it is not the itch that is solved, but your heart that longs for the itch to be solved!
We frantically repeat the scratching motion, trying to make ourselves feel better, but the result is that the symptoms are not cured, and there is no use!
Repeated tickling can easily lead to bleeding, bacterial infection, inflammation, and even scarring.
So, the most effective way to stop itching is not to start!
If you still can't control the hand that is trying to move, it is better to distract the brain, don't let the hand idle, or... Go tickle someone else.
Image source: giphy.com
As it is, the human body is wonderful
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This article is reviewed by experts
bibliography
[1] Rinaldi G. The Itch-Scratch Cycle: A Review of the Mechanisms. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2019;9(2):90-97. Published 2019 Apr 30. doi:10.5826/dpc.0902a03
[2] Itching and scratching a 'vicious cycle', say researchers. BBC. Health.https://www.bbc.com/news/health-29819754
[3] Why do we itch. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-we-itch
[4] Why do we itch. Be Smart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QYIm5WV04I&ab_channel=It%27sOkayToBeSmart
Planning and production
Curated: Ah straw | Producer: Murphy, Vic Sheep
Typography: Turtle | Illustration source: Figureworm Creative
Cover image source: Dr. Lilac design team