Contagious Itch

A new study from itch-expert Dr. Gil Yosipovitch and colleagues at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has found that itch can be contagious like yawning. Individuals with eczema appear to be particularly susceptible. Patients with atopic dermatitis had a higher itch intensity and scratched more after watching someone else scratch than those without it. They also appeared to scratch over a wide area of the body in response to seeing someone else itch, not just in the same localized place. The researchers note that this is further evidence of the powerful role of the brain - both in respect to itch and eczema. Eczema patients know how powerful mental response to itching can be...but that doesn't necessarily make it easier to cope! I guess the only other take-home message from this for eczema patients is to look the other way if you see someone start to scratch!