Abstract
THE sensation of itching has long been a physiological enigma. Whereas the sensations of pain, touch, heat and cold have always arisen following simple physical stimuli, itching (pruritus) has consistently shown an indifferent response to these physical stimuli, and but a faint answer to chemical stimuli. No one has truly characterized the adequate stimulus for itching. As a result of this, itching has been denied its role as the fifth sensation. Indeed, it has been defined by some as diminutive pain, despite the clinical experience that itch may exceed severe pain in intensity.
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References
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ARTHUR, R., SHELLEY, W. Experimental Evidence for an Enzymatic Basis for Itching in Man. Nature 175, 901–902 (1955). https://doi.org/10.1038/175901a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/175901a0
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