Why does vibration make you itch

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Life Science. Genetic Science. Yes, You Can be Allergic to Vibrations. Scientists are discovering a rare gene mutation that makes people allergic to vibrations like hand clapping. Dan Kastner, M. Cite This! Over the past couple of years, self-described "skintellectuals" someone who has a good understanding of their own skin and its needs, but not necessarily anyone else's are advising people across social media to ditch all traces of fragrance from their skin-care routines, warning that you will face skin irritation.

The thing is, according to dermatologists and cosmetic chemists, it's really not that simple. Allergic reaction: If the massager is used directly on the skin and not through clothes, Dr. Allen said it's possible that a component of the massager or something it is cleaned with could be causing an allergic reaction or irritant contact dermatitis.

Typically this would take repeated uses to develop, she said, and is treated with topical steroids. Another reason for itchy skin could be a reaction to the massage oil or lotion being using on the skin, added physiotherapist and sports massage therapist, Azeezat Adetola Oluwole , PT. She said, "You may be mildly allergic to the massage oil used, and the irritation may cause the skin to itch.

Nerves firing: If there is no rash or redness at all, Dr. Allen said another explanation could be that the increase in blood flow causes an increase in the size of the vessels that deliver blood, which could stimulate nerves to fire, resulting in an itchy sensation. Oluwole agreed and added that the vibration could also increase the temperature of the skin and that could also cause itchiness.

Amber D. Hardin Kivett , CSCS, who has a bachelor's degree in sports medicine and kinesiology, reminded us that our skin is the greatest sensory organ we have, so it makes sense that some people could have such an intense reaction. From the turkey to the side dishes and everything in between, Kroger has you covered with these Thanksgiving foods.

Get your shopping list ready! Nitric oxide in the body: The release of nitric oxide naturally in the body with exercise and mechanical vibration can also cause the effect of itching in some individuals, explained Kivett.

Spasm: Oftentimes you may develop muscle spasms due to trauma caused from the high levels of vibration, Oluwole explained. Moreover, WBV allows to "switch itch on and off" rapidly and to simultaneously study interactions between itch, skin blood flow and skin temperature.

Keywords: erythema; itch; mast cells; models; vibration. Abstract Mechanically induced itch is an important cofactor in many patients with chronic itch. Mast cells, which are found in many body tissues including the skin, are important for the normal protective functions of the immune system.

They also play a role in allergic reactions, which occur when the immune system overreacts to stimuli that are not harmful. The ADGRE2 protein consists of two parts subunits that interact with each other: an alpha subunit that lies on the outside surface of the cell and a beta subunit that crosses the cell membrane and extends into the cell.

The ADGRE2 gene mutation that causes vibratory urticaria changes a single protein building block amino acid in the alpha subunit, altering the protein structure and leading to a less stable interaction between the two subunits. This fragile connection can be more easily broken; vibration, friction, or stretching of the skin can disrupt the association between subunits in mast cells. Researchers suggest that once the subunits are disconnected, the beta subunit signals the mast cells to react and produce the allergy symptoms in the skin that occur in vibratory urticaria.

In these affected individuals, the cause of the disorder is unknown. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern , which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. Genetics Home Reference has merged with MedlinePlus.

Learn more. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.