# Psychosomatic itching.  Why does this happen?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychosomatic-itching-why-does-this-happen/143239>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [December 17, 2002, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychosomatic-itching-why-does-this-happen/143239 "2002-12-17T03:22:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\
**Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychosomatic-itching-why-does-this-happen/143239/1 "2002-12-17T03:22:56Z")

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Can anyone explain what is happening when thinking about certain things makes you itchy?

Since my scalp was itching _terribly_ while reading the “electronic lice comb” thread, and someone else remarked that they were too, I’m wondering…

Why is this such a common experience?

Does this happen to other animals?

I can see how it might be a useful trait if being reminded of parasites creates a compulsion to groom.

I fully expect this thread to drop like a rock, but it would be nice if someone happened to write their masters’ thesis on this annoying phenomenon. I gotta know.

If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the shower.

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**Author:** ![Desmostylus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@Desmostylus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desmostylus)\
**Post date:** [December 17, 2002, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychosomatic-itching-why-does-this-happen/143239/2 "2002-12-17T03:44:40Z")

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I’ve scratched my head, but can’t come up with an answer.