Monday, March 4, 2013

Itching, scratching, itching, scratching....

The phenomenon of itch is fascinating from the point of view of evolution.  Our bodies react to bites and chemicals by releasing a chemical called histamine: basically a big highlighter that says "over here" to our immune system, alerting it to send other cell fighters to help combat the offending insect, or toxin.

Which is great, except when there is no toxin or insect.  In that case, itch is just something that ends up driving you nuts.

The causes of skin itching range from dryness, to bites, to eczema, psoriasis, and more dangerous internal situations like liver disease, cancer and diabetes.

To learn more about itch....watch this week's Health Living Videos:

 More answers to your excellent questions right here: