Why Does Scratching Feel So Good… If It’s So Bad?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted February 12, 2025

You know that feeling—you get an itch, and no matter how much you try to ignore it, it takes over your brain until you finally give in.

You scratch… and for a blissful moment, relief washes over you.

But then, BAM! The itch comes back, angrier than ever.

Sound familiar?

Turns out, there’s a scientific reason why scratching feels so satisfying—but also why it’s the worst thing you can do for your skin.

New research from the University of Pittsburgh has cracked the code on why scratching worsens rashes like eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, and poison ivy.

And it has everything to do with how your body responds to inflammation…
Researchers studied mice with eczema-like rashes to see what happens when they scratch. The results? Scratching causes a flood of inflammatory immune cells to rush to the area, making the skin swell up and become even itchier.

The key player? Mast cells. These are special immune cells that get activated when you scratch, releasing substance P—a chemical that triggers even MORE inflammation.

It’s like throwing gasoline on a fire.

This means the more you scratch, the worse your rash gets. And yet… it feels so darn good.

That’s where the paradox comes in. If scratching is so bad for us, why does it feel so amazing?

Turns out, scratching may have evolved as a survival instinct.

The researchers found that scratching actually helps remove bacteria from the skin—including Staphylococcus aureus, the most common bacteria involved in skin infections.

So, in a way, scratching serves a purpose: it can help keep harmful microbes in check.

But before you start scratching yourself raw, the damage far outweighs the benefit—especially when it comes to chronic conditions like eczema and rosacea.

If you’re stuck in an endless loop of itching and scratching, here’s what you can do instead:

1. Cool It Down: Apply a cold compress or ice pack for a couple of minutes to numb the itch and reduce inflammation.
2. Moisturize: Dry skin makes itching worse. Use a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin barrier strong and discourage scratching.
3. Use Anti-Itch Creams: Look for options with hydrocortisone, colloidal oatmeal, or menthol to soothe irritation.
4. Clip Your Nails: If you scratch in your sleep, keeping your nails short can minimize damage.
5. Distract Yourself: Instead of scratching, press on the itchy area, tap it, or even pinch a nearby area to trick your brain into thinking you’ve relieved the itch.

Scratching may feel amazing in the moment, but it’s a sneaky little trick your body plays on you. Giving in only leads to more inflammation, swelling, and misery in the long run.

So next time you feel an itch creeping in, remember to resist the scratching!

P.S. Soothe eczema flare-ups with THIS light treatment.

Source:

Liu, A. W., Zhang, Y. R., Chen, S., Edwards, T. N., Ozyaman, S., Ramcke, T., McKendrick, L. M., Weiss, E. S., Gillis, J. E., Laughlin, C. R., Randhawa, S. K., Phelps, C. M., Kurihara, K., Kang, H. M., Nguyen, L. N., Kim, J., Sheahan, T. D., Ross, S. E., Meisel, M., . . . Kaplan, D. H. (2025). Scratching promotes allergic inflammation and host defense via neurogenic mast cell activation. Science.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND