Unraveling the Origins of Itch: Harvard Study Reveals New Culprit

New research suggests that a common microbe, Staphylococcus aureus, may directly cause itchiness on the skin it colonizes by releasing an enzyme that activates nerve cells and generates an itch sensation. The study found that an FDA-approved anti-clotting medication can block this itch response, potentially offering a new treatment for itchy skin conditions like eczema. The findings open up a new understanding of the role of bacteria in causing itching and may lead to more targeted treatments that do not harm beneficial bacteria on the body.