1. 10
   20
2. 30

The average human body is covered by about 20 square feet (2 square meters) of skin.

1. itchmitis
   hyperdermarosis
2. pruritus

The impulse to scratch a particular spot is known to scientists as "pruritus."

1. spinal cord
   arteries
2. cells

The spinal cord relays the information to your brain.

1. less than a second
   10 seconds
2. a minute

In a split second, receptors send a signal through fibers in the skin to the spinal cord and then to the brain.

1. cold sensations
   heat sensations
2. pain

Experts used to believe that itching was a form of light pain.

1. to numb the source
   to remove the source
2. to identify the source

Scratching an itch is intended to remove an irritant as soon as possible.

1. Oils on hands and fingernails can reduce itching.
   It interrupts the "itching" signal to the brain.
2. It removes the cause of the itch.

When you scratch, the signal being sent to your brain that you have an itch is interrupted.

1. more than covered by the irritant
   less than covered by the irritant
2. the same amount as the irritant

By scratching an irritant, you trigger more nerve endings than it covers.

1. allergies
   infections
2. both

There are numerous medical causes of itching, including allergies, infections and many diseases.

1. the liver
   the kidneys
2. none

Skin is the only organ that is constantly under the threat of irritants.