Itching, Another Example of Mind-Body InteractionAllan N. Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. Updated: Oct 28th 2008 "The American Journal of Pathology" recently published a report adding further evidence to support the fact that mind and body are not separate. In this case, the report discussed research findings that there is a direct relationship between stress and itching.
As the report explains, the skin forms part of the defense against invading infection. As a result, skin is loaded with white blood cells that attack bacteria that can harm the body. The immune system gears up its protective system by signalling the brain that something foreign has invaded the skin barrier. The brain then orders the immune system to send out its "soldiers" of white blood cells to surround and kill the dangerous intruder. However, the immune cells in the skin can overreact resulting in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and dermatitis. It is stress that seems to cause this overreaction and this can either cause a skin disease to develop or irritate and already existing condition. What is so interesting about itching is that it stands at the threshold between pain and pleasure. Upon first becoming aware of an itch, it usually feels good to scratch to make it go away. However, it is a common occurrence that the itch returns followed by more scratching. A point is reached where the scratching results in pain because the skin becomes injured. What must be made perfectly clear is that the research Does Not Mean that itching is "in your head," or that skin disease are not real. Skin diseases are all too real and should be treated by a Medical Doctor. What the research does show is that, once again, stress can and does cause the immune system to operate in such a way that our health can be damaged. I have seen a number of cases in which an individual experiences a sharp increase in itching accompanied by injury to the skin by constant scratching when the individuals were under severe stress in their marriage, at work or within their family. One becomes aware of this problem when skin sores appear. Whether the individual with the chronic itch is yourself or someone who is close to you, the first thing to do, or to tell the other to do, is go to a Dermatologist. In addition to the medical visit, psychotherapy, particularly the Cognitive Behavioral type, is important as a means of learning how to reduce stress levels. It is always a good idea to learn self help techniques in reducing stress. There is a self help area of Mental Help Net that is easily consulted. Activities such as meditation, deep breathing and muscle relaxation, yoga, etc., are all helpful ways to get your stress under control so that the experience of itching is brought under control. Always see your medical doctor as the first line of defense of your health. Then, enter therapy and utilize self help methods. In fact, a person need not be in stress in order to use yoga, meditation, exercise and other stress busting methods. There is a lot to be said for prevention by learning how to maintain as low a level of stress as possible. Your comments are welcome. Allan N. Schwartz, PhD so confused - Kimberly - Jan 7th 2010
I have been having itching mainly when I get sick and have to be on antibotics..I have mainly itching but not skin lesions. I have been on many antibotics and still itch. I have been battling with anxiety for a long time over many years. I find myself worring about having allergic reaction and it seems to make things worse. I seems to be I itch with most meds I take. I have been making myself sick worring about if it is truly a allergic reaction or anxiety about it being allergic reaction. I am having stomach problems now and I know anxiety is the reason. I have been taking the generic form of prilosec and my itching is back and is worse.. Please help me..I am so confused and dont know where to turn. Yes And No - Mark - Oct 12th 2009
The psychological connections between stress and chronic itching syndromes remain highly controversial. Notwithstanding some positive therapeutic outcomes from physiotherapy, I would emphasise that anyone with a chronic itching syndrome will inevitably suffer continual stress, and it's well understood by sufferers that many of us lose jobs, friends and family as a consequence - not a cause - of our condition.
The psychotherapeutic community has often been highly irresponsible, in my view, when moving in on the territory of poorly understood medical syndromes. This has been a major factor which has added enormously to the torments suffered by people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Psychotherapists eager to establish new client bases have ended up giving an excuse to the medical establishment, allowing them to dismiss the medical reality of these syndromes, and as a result sufferers have had accusations of mysterious psychological disturbances added to our list of problems.
Now, at last, the mystery is solved, because despite the distortion of research in this area, one of the retroviruses that has been causing all these immune system disorders has at last been discovered. At long, long last it has been proved that we are sufferers of a genuine medical condition (one as debilitating as MS), not malingerers or hypochondriacs. And now that the truth is known, there are a lot of people who really should get busy apologising to those whose suffering they have exacerbated for so long. For my part, I can't see those people apologising, nor can I see myself forgiving my society for the narrowmindedness and lack of compassion which turned a viral infection into something which has destroyed so many lives and left us alone in our suffering.
Having wasted a year of my own life trying to solve my chronic itching through psychotherapy, I am well aware of the damage this treatment can cause - and yes I'm prepared to accept that it may be a relevant treatment for some conditions, but it should always proceed on the explicit assumption that there is also a real physical illness involved, albeit one currently unknown to medical science.
And it will be most interesting to see, when we at last start receiving medical treatment for our medical condition, whether psychotherapy for itching is still necessary... Itching - Allan N. Schwartz, PhD - May 22nd 2009
Hi Tamika, This is really something you need to consult your Gyn. about. Only your MD can provide you with a safe and reliable answer. Dr. Schwartz Being pregnant Am I suposed to itch this much? - Tamika Durant - May 22nd 2009
I am 8 months pregnant and my skin itches me. Why am I itching so much? I took a shower 2 nights ago. And I started back itching again. Why is that? This happened to me! - laedladd - Oct 29th 2008
For the past few weeks I've developed itchy scalp and dandruff. I couldn't understand it as it's never been a problem before and I haven't changed products or anything. Only realised today that it might be stress - and then I saw this article. Some coincidence! | 
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Readers in the Boulder, Colorado metro area (or Denver area people willing to drive) may contact Dr. Schwartz for face-to-face consultation and psychotherapy. Email him at dransphd@aol.com for details.