Summer brings insect bites and chemical irritation from certain plants. Insect bites or touching poison ivy or another irritating plant activate a series of itching and scratching. Why do we scratch? Why does it feel good? And why does scratching sometimes make the problem worse?
When we scratch, we cause an increase in blood flow to the area, which temporarily eases the itching. Scratching causes a mild soreness that distracts us from the itch. It also activates the brain’s reward system—the same system involved in addiction. The brain releases the happiness hormone serotonin, which increases the desire to scratch even more. This can lead to skin damage and inflammation, turning a minor itch into a bigger problem.
Scientists are exploring the complex system of itching and scratching. Although itching is closely related to pain, researchers have discovered cells in the spinal cord that transmit itch signals separately from pain signals. Both pain and itching have beneficial and harmful effects.
The complexity of our bodies shows evidence of design, not accident. Itching and scratching are designed to cause us to react to external attacks on our bodies, removing the effect of irritants and producing new epidermal cells. This is another demonstration of the truth of Psalms 139:14: “I will praise you, God, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful…”
— John N. Clayton © 2025
References: Discover magazine for May/June 2025, pages 20 & 21, and the National Institutes of Health.
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