I would say this is one of the least satisfying and complete expositions in the Cecil canon. Two issues remain totally untouched upon, and they seem to be central in the examination of the question. First, why is it so damned satisfying to scratch an itch? That’s part of the phenomenon. And second, why does scratching stop an itch? That’s also got to be related to the cause. Without attention to these questions, Cecil’s answer can be reduced to “no one knows for sure.” Clearly not scratching the itch that was presented. I am massively disappointed in the Master.
LINK TO COLUMN: Why do we itch? - The Straight Dope
(For those unaware, when one starts a thread in this forum, it’s helpful to other readers to provide a link to the column in question; saves searching time and helps us – at least vaguely – to stay on the same page.)
CC, I think the problem is that no one really knows; Cecil’s just presenting the most recent thoughts and studies.
Hello Cecil,
I enjoyed your 2/28/13 column about itching (pruritis). Your 2nd sentence in bullet 2 starts with: “You might think an analgesic would deaden all sensation”. Wrongo! An analgesic, such as 1.: an adjuvant analgesic (such tranquilizers as sedatives), 2.: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or non-opioid (non-narcotic analgesics (such as ibuprofin, including Advil & Motrin, and aspirin), and 3.: opioid (narcotic) analgesics (such as codeine and morphine). None of these analgesic “painkillers” deaden all sensation. Leave that to an anesthetic. An example of a topically used (local) anesthetic is novacaine. Please bear this in mind next time you see your dentist!
Cheers,
Frank Lemond
Welcome to the Straight Dope Message Boards, franklemond, we’re glad you found us. For future ref, when you start a thread, it’s helpful to other readers to provide a link to the column under discussion. Saves searching time and helps keep us on the same page. No biggie, you’ll know for next time.
Also, since there was already a column on this topic, I’ve merged your thread with the prior column, just to try to keep all the comments about one topic together. Again, no biggie, and, as I say, welcome!
(Also, please note that when Cecil says, “You might think…” he does go on to note that such thinking would be erroneous.
FCI - (for Cecil’s information), a slight advance has been noted in the press regarding the cause of itching. (News & Events | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research). At some point, when the Master revisits this issue, the referenced discovery may be pertinent. Just sayin’