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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Lowrey's Severe Itch
- Annie Lowrey's itch, linked to a liver disease, is so severe she's considered amputation.
- It disrupts her life, making it hard to focus on anything but finding relief.
Nature of Lowrey's Itch
- Lowrey's itch feels like intense, all-encompassing poison ivy, but without a rash.
- It's not responsive to typical itch medications like steroids or antihistamines.
Itch Mechanisms
- Itch intensity and location depend on nerve networks and chemical irritants/messengers.
- Lowrey even experiences internal itch, which some doctors initially dismissed.