mind over matter

First of all, I would like for you to note that I am writing about a story dated February 1, 2008. That’s right, folks, I am living in the future. Think about that for a second.

In tomorrow’s news, scratching feels good because it pacifies the area of the brain associated with unpleasant or aversive memories and emotions. And here you thought it just took your mind off that mosquito bite.

Researchers scratched at the lower legs of 13 healthy adults while watching their brain activity with MRIs. The article’s headline, “Why Scratching Relieves an Itch,” is a bit misleading because the participants weren’t actually itching in the first place. This is a bit odd to me. If something is inherently pleasurable and fairly harmless, shouldn’t we be inclined to do it? Why am I not scratching at my leg right now, just for the little mood-boost? Alright, curiosity has got the better of me, I’m trying it now…and it doesn’t feel bad, but I’m not all into it either. Try it yourself, I know you want to…see what I mean?

Anyhow, my badgering aside, there are clinical applications here, for chronic itchers (and, presumably, chronic scratchers), according to lead researcher Gil Yosipovitch, M.D.:

This is the first real scientific evidence showing that itch may be inhibited by scratching…Of course, scratching is not recommended because it can damage the skin. But understanding how the process works could lead to new treatments. For example, drugs that deactivate this part of the brain might be effective.

I love the first part of that quote: This is the first real scientific evidence showing that itch may be inhibited by scratching. You don’t say, Doctor. You don’t say.