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When itchy people scratch, sometimes they just make an area that is redder and itchier. I think it is possible to make a vibrating acoustic thing that satisfies an itch with just sound waves, which would reduce irritation to the tissue, causing the tissue to be absent harm as well as heal without further
harm.
https://www.theguar...nderstands-the-body
[hippo, Nov 10 2016]
[link]
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In my experience, it seems to mostly be the action of finger-nails on skin that causes the damage. When I have an itch (depending on location...), I find a slap works better than a scratch; satisfies the "input" requirement of the itch, without the surface damage. |
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There are two other options. One is to use the fingernail
backward. Remember that a human fingernail is
equivalent to the sharp claw of some other animal.
Normal scratching is a clawing action. But even a sharp
claw doesn't cut into flesh when moving the "wrong" way.
For scratching an itch, the wrong way is the best way. |
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The other option is to simply rub the itchy spot. Apply as
much pressure as you like. |
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Maybe I itch differently from most people, but when I itch only a counter-irritant on the level of scratching makes it go way. Pressure, vibration, and rubbing do not. |
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If you have an insect bite (e.g. a mosquito bite)
which is very itchy, scratching near or around it
usually satisfies the itch. |
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//removes the urge to scratch// - being shocked
unconscious tends to do that |
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I haven't personally experienced this yet, but I understand that some research has demonstrated that standing in front of a mirror (or was it along the axis?) and scratching the opposite side of an asymmetric itch produces the sensation of relief. All the same, + for acoustic stimulation. |
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Perhaps another approach would be to use the 'rubber
hand illusion' (see link) to make people think that a
rubber hand was their (itchy) hand. Then, scratching
the rubber hand may satisfy the need to have the itch
scratched. |
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[iain] the piezo thing is amazing. |
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I think this would work. Especially for the type of itch that is nerve dysfunction - akin to neuropathic pain. Counterstimuli work including topical irritant, head, cold. |
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Vibrating thing is available. Maybe don't shop for them from work. |
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//I understand that some research has demonstrated that standing in front of a mirror (or was it along the axis?) and scratching the opposite side of an asymmetric itch produces the sensation of relief.// |
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I tried it. It didn't work |
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Because it's in a mirror it produces the opposite of
the sensation of relief |
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