ITCHING
- Introduction
Itching or pruritus is a common problem. Having a slight itch is of little concern, but being very itchy is another matter altogether. Severe itching and scratching is an extremely distressing symptom for people of any age.
Between the upper two layers of the skin are nerve endings that are sensitive to various chemical substances like histamine. With an insect bite or some plant rubbing against the skin, histamine is released from mast-cells in the skin and the local nerve endings are stimulated. Impulses pass along sensory nerves to the spinal cord and then up to the brain; the person's level of consciousness is reached and the itch is felt. The sensation may be modified to some extent depending on how we feel; if we are relaxed the sensation may be dampened, if we are stressed it may be greatly amplified.