Why do we itch? I have heard the theory that the same nerve fibers that send pain signals also send itching signals, meaning that itching is actually a form of light pain. Is that true?
Itching is a very frustrating condition - both for the patient and the physician - and is quite poorly understood. There are special fibers that conduct itching signals, and these are distinct from pain fibers. These nerves conduct slowly and pick up signals from quite some distance away. Interestingly, these fibers were only fairly recently discovered, in the last 15 years or so. The signals go from the periphery to the spinal cord then to brain.
Itch is a sensory stimulus to our body. It is, you might say, a modified form of the touch sensation. This sensation persists till you remove the source stimulus by scratching or rubbing.
The average human body is covered by about 20 square feet (2 square meters) of skin. Skin is the only organ that is constantly exposed to potential irritation. And, with so many things coming into contact with your skin daily, you're bound to get an itch or two. Serious itching can be caused by allergies, disease, emotions and infections.
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