MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why does an itch get worse when you scratch it?

Health problem, skin diseases. Young woman scratching her itchy arm with allergy rash. Woman scratching her arm. Woman scratching arm indoors, space for text. Allergy symptoms

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why does an itch get worse when you scratch it?

You’ve probably experienced this more than a few times over the summer with bug bites. Anytime you scratch something itchy it only makes you itch worse, but why?

The reason is that it causes your brain to release serotonin, which increases the sensations all over your body. Including the sensation of the itch.

My trick for bug bites is to use your fingernail to make a “x” mark on the bite instead of scratching it. Works every time!

Photo credit: Getty Images