Tag

Chronic Itch

All articles tagged with #chronic itch

science3 days ago•5 min saved

Touch-neuron TRPV4 acts as the brain’s stop-scratching brake

A new study shows TRPV4 ion channels in touch-sensitive neurons act as a negative feedback brake that tells the brain when scratching has achieved relief, regulating the duration of itch. In mice, removing neuronal TRPV4 reduces scratching frequency but extends each bout, suggesting skin TRPV4 triggers itch while neuronal TRPV4 restrains it. This finding implies future therapies should target TRPV4 more precisely to treat chronic itch without blunting the brain’s stop signal.

via Neuroscience News|

#ab-ltmrs #chronic-itch #itch

health-and-science2 years ago•4 min saved

"The Science of Social Rejection: Why We Avoid People Who Scratch"

Researchers are delving into the science of itch, discovering itch-specific neurons and pathways that could lead to new treatments. It's believed that mammals evolved the sensation of itch as a reflex to expel pathogens, but there's also a psychological aspect, as evidenced by contagious scratching in humans and monkeys. There's evidence to suggest that humans and other mammals are hardwired to avoid itchy individuals, possibly due to the signal of infestation or infection. Sufferers of chronic itch often face stigma and mental health challenges, and while scratching provides temporary relief, it can exacerbate the itch-anxiety cycle. The pleasurable sensation of scratching is not fully understood, but it may involve pain signals, distraction, and the release of serotonin.

via BBC.com|

#chronic-itch #contagious-scratching #evolution