Q. What is the science behind itching?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Itching, or pruritus as it is commonly known, is an uncomfortable sensation that occurs due to mechanical stimulation of nerve endings in the skin. It is not a disease but can be a symptom of many underlying health conditions including skin allergies, eczema, psoriasis and fungal infections. Scientists have long tried to uncover the science behind itching and its neurological mechanisms.

At the most fundamental level, itching appears to result from certain chemical mediators released by nerve cells called pruritogens. These chemicals interact with sensory neurons in the skin which then send electrical impulses to our brain where we perceive them as an itch. Interestingly these same types of signals would also be sent if you were being exposed to damaging irritants on your skin such as extreme temperatures or dangerous chemicals - indicating that there may be some evolutionary significance behind this phenomenon.

Different areas of our body appear particularly sensitive to different kinds of itch stimulus like heat and scratching; for example dermatologists note that people are more likely to feel pain after scratching their cheeks than other parts of their body because this area contains higher concentrations of free nerve endings/nerve fibers per square centimeter compared with other areas such as arms or legs.

The second component explaining why we experience itching has been identified within recent studies looking into psychological effects on our perception – they found out that emotions and mental states can influence how intense our feeling will be when exposed to an itch stimulus: People who are under stress are more likely experience stronger itches than those without any sort of anxiety disorder; similarly those in depression often report feeling greater sensitivity towards tingling sensations on their bodies compared to controls without depression symptoms. It's quite clear that these feelings then contribute significantly towards whether someone experiences strong or mild itches depending on what else may be going through their mind at any given time point!

Finally scientists have hypothesised about potential biological reasons behind why some people might suffer from chronic cases with no clear medical explanation; one possible idea suggests there could exist specific genetic mutations which cause overly sensitive receptors too easily detect normal touch sensation potentially resulting in perpetual forms - though currently not much research exists around this topic yet so only time will tell if this potential hypothesis holds true!

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Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.

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