Scratching consists of rubbing the skin or rubbing it with something sharp or rough.
Scratching is the action that consists of using something with a point to rub or rub the skin . The usual thing is to use your nails with the intention of eliminating an itching or tickling sensation. For example: "The flea bites make me scratch all day," "Stop scratching, it will leave marks on your skin," "I have to take off my shoe because my heel is itchy and I have to scratch it."
There are certain diseases and disorders that cause a person to have to scratch frequently to avoid the itching or tingling that causes discomfort. However, when someone scratches too intensely or insistently, they can cause skin injuries that later leave permanent scars.
In some cases, when no physical problems are recorded, the cause of the need to constantly scratch lies on the plane of the mind; Different psychological disorders can lead us to channel our discomfort in the form of endless itching. It is worth mentioning that sometimes there is no limit when the origin of the discomfort is not physical, which is why the person suffering from it can seriously injure their skin if they do not receive professional help in time.
Chickenpox, a disease that makes us scratch
Chickenpox is an example of an itchy disease that can prompt an individual to constantly scratch, damaging the skin . It is a viral disease that involves the appearance of hives on different parts of the body and that used to be considered one of the typical childhood disorders. It should be noted that there are lotions and creams that minimize discomfort; Furthermore, since scientists developed the vaccine to combat it, its appearance has become increasingly rare.
The name of the virus that causes this disease is varicella zoster , which is part of the herpesvirus family, responsible for shingles , which attacks adults. Transmission of chickenpox is very easy: just touch the fluid that comes out of the blisters or be near a person with chickenpox while they sneeze or cough, even if they are in the initial phase of the disease. In fact, contagion can occur from 48 hours before the blisters appear and until they have all dried.
When a mother has suffered the disease or has been vaccinated before the birth of her children, it is normal that they do not contract it before turning one year old, or that they have a mild case, since the mother's antibodies help them fight it. Otherwise, the risk of suffering a serious case of chickenpox is very high.
Among the symptoms of chickenpox, the severity of which depends largely on the functioning of the person's immune system and the influence of certain drugs, are stomach pain, fever and migraine. The rash usually appears approximately two weeks after infection. The number of blisters can be as high as 500 in normal cases and it is important to avoid scratching to prevent permanent marks on the skin.
Multiple reasons can lead someone to feel the need to scratch.
The term in different expressions
The expression "scratching your belly" and other similar ones are used to describe the situation of a person who is not doing anything. This cliché of language plays with the idea that, if a subject is scratching his belly, he is not carrying out another activity. Therefore, claiming that someone is “scratching their belly” is accusing them of not fulfilling an obligation.
"Nose scratching" , on the other hand, is the practice of removing mucus from the nasal passages with the fingers. This is a habit considered unpleasant and in bad taste by society.