Why do we scratch an itch?

Our brains should know better, but we can’t resist the urge to scratch an itch. Scientists are still scratching their heads trying to figure out exactly why.

Scratching might temporarily ease itching symptoms, but it can also cause further irritation. Plus, no amount of scratching will stop the itch from returning, and the itch-scratch cycle won’t end until a solution, like Benadryl, provides relief that lasts.