The witches of fairy tales often have mystical powers and amazing abilities. They can cast spells, brew magical potions, and fly on broomsticks. However, there is one witch who has a bothersome itch. This witch may not be the most fearsome or awe-inspiring, but she certainly knows how to draw attention. People flock to see this witch simply because she is always scratching and itching. It is quite a sight to see a witch in the middle of a shop or on a street corner, scratching furiously and frantically trying to relieve her itch.
Now a new study in mice has shed light on what actually happens in the body when we want to scratch an itch. The research, published in Science, could lead to treatments for many thousands of people suffering from chronic itch, a disorder causing an intense desire to scratch.
The researchers found that when they bred mice to have a selective deficiency in these special cells, the mice began to display a startling amount of itching behaviour, even removing tufts of hair in their vigorous efforts. Not only does this cause lowered sex drive, insomnia, night sweats, vaginal dryness and a decrease in bone density sigh , skin usually feels like sandpaper.
It is quite a sight to see a witch in the middle of a shop or on a street corner, scratching furiously and frantically trying to relieve her itch. Some people find it amusing, while others find it irritating. Nevertheless, this witch with a bothersome itch teaches us an important lesson about empathy and understanding.
10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief
When your skin itches, you may have a rash; however, you can have intensely itchy skin and see nothing on your skin.
Mosquito bites, chickenpox, and poison ivy aren’t the only reasons for itchy skin. See what else may be causing your itch and what can bring relief.
-
Very dry skin. Extremely dry skin can be intensely itchy.
- Bed bugs
- Head lice
- Scabies
- Atopic dermatitis
- Chickenpox
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Folliculitis
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
- Hives
- Psoriasis
- Neurodermatitis
- Ringworm
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Shingles
If you have been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, relieving the itch can be a challenge. To help patients get relief, here’s what dermatologists recommend:
- 8 ways to relieve itchy psoriasis
- What can relieve itchy eczema? (for atopic dermatitis)
- Blood disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- HIV
- Overactive thyroid gland
Itch is also common in people who have liver disease, such as hepatitis C, cirrhosis, or an obstructed bile duct. When itch is a sign of liver disease, the itch often starts on the palms and soles and spreads to other parts of the body.
How to get relief: Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment may relieve the itch. A dermatologist often plays a key role in diagnosing these diseases because itch can be the only symptom.
Here’s how one woman’s appointment with a board-certified dermatologist turned into a life-saving diagnosis at, Chronic itching triggers a hepatitis C diagnosis.
Other substances that can cause an allergic skin reaction include nail polish, fragrances, shampoos, latex, and cement.
If you develop an allergic reaction, you’ll likely have a rash and an uncontrollable itch.
How to get relief: You must find out what’s causing your allergy so that you can stop touching (or using) what’s causes the itchy rash. This can be challenging and often requires the help of a dermatologist or an allergist.
Plants - Poison ivy is famous for causing an itchy rash, but it’s not the only plant that can do so. If you’re unaware that a plant is causing your itch, the itch can be long-standing. Here’s a guide to plants in the United States that can make you itch at, Plants that can make you itch.
Marine life - You can also get an itchy rash after being in water, such as an ocean, lake, or pond.
Swimmer’s itch caused by parasites that live in ponds, lakes, or oceans. The parasites burrow into your skin while you’re in the water. Later, you will see tiny red spots on the skin that your swimsuit didn’t cover. Sometimes, intensely itch welts (hives) and blisters also appear.
Seabather’s eruption is caused by newly hatched jellyfish or sea anemones getting trapped between your skin and your swimsuit, fins, or other gear.
Because it can take time for the itchy rash to appear, some people are unaware of the cause. If you go in the water often, pay attention. If your rash tends to be more intense each time, it’s a good sign it’s something in the water.
How to get relief: Because itchy skin has many causes, it’s best to see a board-certified dermatologist to find out why your skin itches. There could be more than one reason for your itchy skin.
- Shingles
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
How to get relief: If you have severe itch (or pain), tell your dermatologist, who may prescribe a medication.
Itching for answers?
Long-standing itch can affect your quality of life. It can disrupt your sleep, make it difficult to concentrate, and cause you to scratch until your skin bleeds. If you cannot figure out what’s causing your itch, a board-certified dermatologist can help.
Have a skin, hair, or nail problem?
No one understands your skin better than a board-certified dermatologist. Partner with the expert for the best care.
Related AAD resources
- 10 reasons your scalp itches and how to get relief
- 10 ways to get relief from chronic hives
- 8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief
- 8 ways to relieve itchy psoriasis
- Plants that can make you itch
- Home remedies: How to relieve itchy eczema
Image
Getty Images
References
Larson VA, Tang O, et al. “Association between itch and cancer in 16,925 pruritus patients: Experience at a tertiary care center.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018; doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.08.044.
Yosipovitch G and Kwatra SG. Living with itch: A patient’s guide. The Johns Hopkins University Press. United States, 2013.
- About AAD
- Contact AAD
- Donate
- Employment
- Store
- Support AAD
- Website feedback
- AAD meetings & events
- Advertise
- Classifieds
- Licensing
- Mailing lists
- Meeting advertising
- Legal notice
- Corporate partners
- Donors
- Exhibitors: 2024 Annual Meeting
- Media
- International
- For AAD members
- Patient advocates
- Diseases & conditions
- Everyday care
- Cosmetic treatments
- Public health programs
- Find a dermatologist
Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited
without prior written permission.
It is easy to judge someone based on their appearance or quirks, but it is much harder to see past the surface and try to understand their struggles. Just because this witch has an itch doesn’t mean she is any less capable or deserving of respect. We should strive to treat everyone with kindness and compassion, regardless of their appearance or peculiarities. After all, we all have our own challenges and burdens to bear. So, the next time you see the witch with a bothersome itch, instead of staring or laughing, offer a helping hand. Maybe she just needs a good lotion or a friendly conversation to distract her from her itch. Who knows, maybe it is the start of a beautiful friendship..
Reviews for "Banishing the Itch: Magical Remedies for Witches"
- John - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "The witch has a bothersome itch" because I love Halloween-themed books. However, I was quite disappointed with this one. The storyline was very simple and predictable, and there was no depth or character development. Additionally, the illustrations were not very impressive and didn't add much to the story. Overall, it felt like a rushed and uninspired book.
- Sarah - 3/5 - I found "The witch has a bothersome itch" to be just okay. The concept of a witch with an itch was fun and creative, but the execution fell short. The writing style was a bit awkward and clunky, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The illustrations were decent, but they didn't fully capture the magic and whimsy that I was expecting. Overall, it was an average read, but I wouldn't highly recommend it.
- Mike - 2/5 - I have to say, "The witch has a bothersome itch" did not impress me at all. The story lacked originality and felt like a cookie-cutter Halloween tale. The rhyming scheme was forced and often didn't flow well. The illustrations were also quite dull and unappealing. I expected more from a children's book with a catchy title like this one. It just didn't live up to the hype for me.
- Emily - 2/5 - I regret purchasing "The witch has a bothersome itch" for my kids. The storyline was weak and uninteresting, and the rhyming felt forced and unnatural. It didn't hold my children's attention, and they quickly lost interest. The illustrations were also a letdown, lacking vibrant colors and creativity. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it.
- Lisa - 3/5 - "The witch has a bothersome itch" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The concept of a witch with an itch was cute, but the story didn't fully live up to it. The pacing felt off, and the rhyming scheme was inconsistent. The illustrations were colorful, but they lacked detail and didn't add much to the narrative. It's an okay book for a quick read, but it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.