Sometimes you have to hold back to stop before the red streaks from your nails show up on your skin. Why does scratching feel so good?
While scratching, serotonin is released, which intensifies the itching sensation. When you scratch, it also hurts slightly. Your brain receives the pain stimulus, which distracts from the itching.
Then even more serotonin is released, a natural painkiller, but at the same time a happiness hormone. You no longer feel the pain of scratching and you get a good feeling, which makes you want to scratch even more.
Read also: 10 ways to soothe itching
