Fresh Air
Why Do We Itch?
Nov 12, 2024
Annie Lowrey, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of an article on chronic itch, shares her battle with primary biliary cholangitis, a rare liver disease causing relentless itching. She discusses the emotional toll of living with a condition often overlooked by medical research. The conversation dives into the complexity of itch, linking it to psychological factors and the frustrations of dealing with social misconceptions. Annie also reflects on the journey of acceptance while exploring potential treatments and the underappreciated struggles faced by those with chronic discomfort.
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Quick takeaways
- Annie Lowrey's experience with chronic itch reveals its debilitating emotional and physical toll, often leading to feelings of despair and isolation.
- Recent research distinguishes between types of itch, suggesting novel treatment approaches beyond antihistamines for non-histaminergic itch conditions.
Deep dives
Understanding the Experience of Itch
Chronic itch can be a debilitating condition, often dismissed by others, yet it can hijack a person's daily life. The experience is not just physical; it can feel explosive and all-encompassing, akin to the sensation of poison ivy, regardless of any visible skin symptoms. Those suffering from chronic itch, like Annie Lowry, report periods of intense discomfort that have led to drastic measures, including self-harm. The emotional and mental toll of this condition is profound, as relentless itching can lead to feelings of despair, isolation, and a sense of being a prisoner in one's own body.
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