An itchy rash can be frustrating, and scratching often feels like the only relief. However, new research confirms that giving ...

Scratching isn’t just a bad habit — it’s an immune defense mechanism. While it fuels inflammation, it also helps fight ...

New research uncovers the dual nature of scratching an itch; although it can worsen skin inflammation, it can also boost ...

The body responds by making the little hairs on the surface of the skin stand up, trapping a layer of warm air next to the body, helping to keep it warm. This is a reflex, which means it’s ...

A reflex action follows this general sequence and does not involve the conscious part of the brain. This is why the response is so fast. Receptor in the skin detects a stimulus (the change in ...

If those don't work – you may want to try a stroll outside; some skin-to-skin cuddling ... womb – to switch on your little one's calming reflex. Harvey Karp, MD (cont.) Even though parents ...

The best reflex hammer is heavy at the end and long ... enough for adequate testing but dull enough so that breaking the skin can be avoided. A safety pin also has a blunt end, which allows ...