What’s in an Itch?

Reading this article by Nell Greenfieldboyce for NPR made me itchy all over for hours so reader beware. It’s certainly an interesting read about enzymes released by Staphylococcus aureus as it… 🥴 makes your skin home:

In the past, says Chiu, research on itchy skin conditions has focused on the role of the immune response and inflammation in generating the itch sensation. People with eczema often take medications aimed at immune system molecules.

But scientists have also long known that people with eczema frequently have skin that’s colonized by Staphylococcus aureus, says Chiu, even though it’s never been clear what role the bacteria might play in this condition.

Chiu’s previous lab work had made him realize that bacteria can directly act on nerve cells to cause pain.

“So this made us ask: Could certain microbes like Staphylococcus aureus also particularly be in some way linked to itch?” says Chiu. “Is there a role for microbes in talking to itch neurons?”

Read more from NPR

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• Source: https://blog.adafruit.com/2023/11/27/whats-in-an-itch/