The areas in the brain that process itch signals are also “less precise in mapping out the exact location, making it hard to target the exact spot”, he said. Together, these mechanisms explain why you often can’t pinpoint the itchy location.
WHY DO WE SOMETIMES FEEL ITCHY WHEN WE’RE JUST READING OR SCROLLING THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA?
It could be your brain becoming more attuned to subtle sensations when you’re at rest, said Assoc Prof Tey.
“When you’re not engaged in an activity, your brain has more bandwidth to notice sensations that you might otherwise ignore,” he said. “This allows itch signals, which might normally be suppressed or overshadowed by other sensations, to become more prominent.”
You’ll also notice feeling itchy when you’re anxious, stressed, or simply bored or resting. Not being actively engaged in something can heighten your awareness of bodily sensations, making you more likely to notice itches, explained Assoc Prof Tey.
CAN AN ITCH FEEL DIFFERENTLY IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BODY?
Yes, it can. “This variation is due to differences in skin structure, nerve distribution, sensitivity, and the presence of specialised receptors,” said Assoc Prof Tey. Here are some examples:
Face: The face has a high density of sensory receptors and a delicate, thin layer of skin, making it highly sensitive. Facial itches are often experienced as a light, tickling sensation.
Scalp: The scalp is densely packed with hair follicles, sebaceous glands and nerve fibres, so scalp itches are often more intense and feel deep.
