Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
WEKU
WEKU
Nell Greenfieldboyce

What can trigger an itch? Scientists have found a new culprit

Brian Kim Bacteria Eczema Harvard Medical School
New research finds that a common microbe may be directly causing itchiness on the skin it colonizes. (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images)

If you've got itchy skin, it could be that a microbe making its home on your body has produced a little chemical that's directly acting on your skin's nerve cells and triggering the urge to scratch.

That's the implication of some new research that shows how a certain bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, can release an enzyme that generates an itchy feeling.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Is Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken Actually Healthy? Here’s What to Check on the Label
A grocery store rotisserie chicken can make dinner easier without the cost of takeout or the work of cooking from scratch. It provides protein and can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, and family meals throughout the week. However, not every rotisserie chicken has the same nutritional profile. Some contain…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Why Are Eggs Refrigerated in America but Left on the Shelf in Other Countries?
Walk into a grocery store in the United States, and you will find eggs in a refrigerated section. Visit many European grocery stores, however, and eggs may sit on ordinary shelves at room temperature. This difference often surprises American travelers who wonder why the same food requires different storage methods.…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Kim Kardashian Reveals Five Nannies for Four Kids as Kanye West and Bianca Censori Step Out in Los Angeles
Kanye West and Bianca Censori were seen with Playboi Carti at ComplexCon in Los Angeles, shortly after Kim Kardashian discussed raising their four children and using five nannies.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Woman says a male canvasser knocked at her door and wanted to talk pro-life. Then she asked him: ‘Have you ever been pregnant?’
She explained why she is pro-choice.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
Doing Everything Right but Still Have Dull Skin? Here’s Why
If this sounds familiar, it doesn't necessarily mean your skincare routine is bad. Healthy-looking skin depends on much more than the products sitting on your bathroom shelf. Dead skin-cell buildup, dehydration, sun exposure, irritation, lifestyle factors and even using too many active ingredients can all affect how your skin looks.…
MyLifeXP
MyLifeXP
'Didn't Care To Wait': Rihanna Replies 'Damn' After EJ Johnson Criticises Her Fashion Week Delay
EJ Johnson claimed Rihanna's late arrival delayed Dior's Paris Fashion Week show by an hour. Rihanna later commented on a video showing Johnson apparently blocked from a Paris hotel
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play