Turns out the theory that scratching an itch causing it to
become itchier is indeed correct. Washington University discovered this
through the testing of genetically modified mice. They found that when you
scratch an itch, not only is it satisfying, but the pain caused by doing this releases
serotonin in the brain (Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in aging, growth, bone
metabolism and helps us to regulate our moods).
Now serotonin is the body’s natural response when
controlling pain, so when it is produced it makes its way to the spinal cord,
but does not always stay on its intended path, and as a result can sometimes manipulate
nerve cells that increase the intensity of an itch.
Researchers discovered this through breading genetically
altered mice that had no genes to produce serotonin, when the researchers
administered an itching agent through injection, they observed that the mice
itched far less that the mice with a normal amount of serotonin (Man all this talk
of itching is making me itch!).
This process can be explained in a much more detailed manner,
but at the risk of not making sense I decided to put it as simply as possible,
if you are interested in this research then visit the link below to find out more :)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141030132957.htm
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