By Admin 
Why Scratching Mosquito Bites Makes It WorseIt is common to feel itching after the bite of a mosquito, fly or any other insect. In such a situation, most people start scratching that place without thinking, because this provides relief for some time. But a new research shows that this relief is only for a short time. Repeated scratching can cause swelling, irritation and itching to increase more than before.
Why should one not scratch?
According to the researcher, doctors have been advising people for a long time not to scratch the area of insect bite or allergy too much. Now scientists have also understood what happens inside the body by doing this. For this research, scientists studied rats and found that scratching makes the body’s immune system more active, which increases swelling and itching in the affected area.
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On what was the research done?
In this study, skin disease expert Dr. Daniel Kaplan of the University of Pittsburgh, America, and his team applied an allergy-causing substance on the skin of rats. In the mice who scratched, the immune system that increases inflammation rapidly reached that place. At the same time, the swelling was much less in the rats that were stopped from scratching. This made it clear that scratching itself makes the problem worse. Dr. Caplan says that if a mosquito is not scratched at all after a bite, then in most people the itching starts reducing within 5 to 10 minutes. But if the same spot is scratched again and again, the same small pimple can bother you for many days.
What is the problem with scratching?
Research also revealed that when scratching, the pain-sensing nerves of the body become active. After this, a chemical messenger called Substance P is released, which activates the mast cells present in the skin. These cells release chemicals like histamine, which increases both itching and swelling. This is the reason why after scratching one gets relief for some time, but later the problem increases.
Is there any benefit from scratching?
However, scientists believe that a little scratching can provide a small benefit to the body. It was observed in the study that the amount of some bacteria on the skin of rats that scratched was less. It is believed that inflammation helps the body fight some harmful bacteria. But experts clearly say that this benefit is not so big that the habit of scratching can be considered right.
What should be done in case of itching?
If there is severe itching after the bite of a mosquito, fly or any insect, then instead of scratching it with nails, hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or anti-itch cream containing menthol can be used. This calms the itching and also reduces the risk of damage to the skin. According to experts, it may not be easy to tolerate itching, but avoiding frequent scratching is the best way for the skin to heal quickly.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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