{"id":22743,"date":"2026-09-11T13:00:55","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T11:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mcslaboratory.com\/?p=22743"},"modified":"2026-09-17T13:46:32","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T11:46:32","slug":"the-vicious-cycle-of-itching-and-scratching-how-can-you-trick-your-own-nervous-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mcslaboratory.com\/en\/the-vicious-cycle-of-itching-and-scratching-how-can-you-trick-your-own-nervous-system\/","title":{"rendered":"The Vicious Cycle of Itching and Scratching. How Can You Trick Your Own Nervous System?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The vicious cycle of itching and scratching. How can you trick your own nervous system? This sensation can wake you up in the middle of the night and take complete control of your thoughts. Itching in atopic dermatitis (AD) and eczema is often described as a form of \u201cphysical pain\u201d due to its persistence and intensity. Unfortunately, giving in to it sets off a destructive process known in dermatology as the \u201cvicious cycle of itching and scratching.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The Psychology and Neurology of the Process<\/h4>\nWhen you feel an itch, an alarm goes off in your brain. Running your fingernails over the itchy spot provides a brief sense of \u201crelief\u201d because the pain signal caused by scratching temporarily drowns out the itch signal. What\u2019s more, in response to this action, the brain releases endorphins (happiness hormones), which is why scratching feels so good at first. \n\n

That’s where the good news ends, though. When scratching the skin: <\/p>\n

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  • You physically damage the weakened skin barrier<\/strong>, creating \u201cmicro\u201d wounds through which bacteria and allergens can penetrate.<\/li>\n \t
  • Your immune system responds<\/strong> to this damage with a sudden inflammatory reaction. It releases a cascade of \u201cinflammatory mediators\u201d (including powerful doses of histamine). <\/li>\n \t
  • Increased inflammation amplifies the signal<\/strong> in the sensory nerves. After a few minutes, the skin itches more intensely than it did before scratching. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    How can you trick the nervous system?<\/h4>\nTo break the vicious cycle, you need to stimulate the nervous system without damaging the skin. One of the most effective methods is cooling. Cold is transmitted through the same nerve fibers as itching\u2014when you apply something cool to your skin, the cold signal \u201ctakes over\u201d the itching signal, suppressing the urge to scratch. \n\n

    Another method is to gently tap or press on the itchy area (known as compression), which provides the nervous system with a different sensory stimulus.<\/p>\n\n

    Relief from Itching Right in Your Bathroom<\/h4>\nAt MCS Laboratory, we fully understand the mechanics of this vicious cycle. That is precisely why the centerpiece of our line for atopic dermatitis and eczema is the Night Cream for Sensitive Skin with Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis, which acts as a \u201cfire extinguisher\u201d for the nervous system. It contains ingredients that soothe and calm the inflammatory cascade (such as oatmeal, which we\u2019ve described many times, etc.). \n\n

    Tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re struggling with severe itching, store your MCS Laboratory Night Cream for Sensitive Skin in the refrigerator. Applying a thick, pleasantly cool, and deeply regenerating layer of cream to the itchy area immediately lowers tissue temperature, blocks the itch signal in the nervous system, and restores the damaged skin barrier, breaking the vicious cycle of scratching. <\/p>\n\n

    \n Important \/ Disclaimer:<\/strong> The information contained in this article is for educational and cosmetic purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

    This information is for educational and cosmetic purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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