Scratch vs. Itch: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Scratch is the action of scraping the skin with nails, while an itch is a sensation that provokes the desire to scratch.
Key Differences
Scratch refers to the physical act of scraping or rubbing the skin, typically with nails or a sharp object, to relieve an irritation. Itch, on the other hand, is the uncomfortable sensation that leads to the urge to scratch.
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Nov 28, 2023
Scratching is a voluntary response to the feeling of an itch, which can provide temporary relief from the sensation. An itch is a feeling often caused by irritation of the skin, prompting the reflex to scratch.
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Nov 28, 2023
The purpose of a scratch is to address the itch, which can be caused by various factors such as allergies, insect bites, or dry skin. Itches are sensations that can range from mild to intense, often driving the need to scratch.
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Nov 28, 2023
While scratching can immediately soothe an itch, it can also lead to further irritation or damage to the skin if excessive. Itches can sometimes be relieved through other means such as applying ointments or taking antihistamines, without the need to scratch.
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Nov 28, 2023
Scratching is a mechanical action, while an itch is a sensory experience, often part of the body's response to some kind of external or internal irritant. The relationship between an itch and a scratch is cyclical, where an itch leads to scratching, which can sometimes intensify the itch.
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Nov 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A physical action of scraping the skin.
A sensation causing the desire to scratch.
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Nov 28, 2023
Purpose
To relieve the sensation of itching.
To signal irritation or discomfort.
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Nov 28, 2023
Relief
Can provide temporary relief from itching.
Can be relieved by scratching or other remedies.
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Nov 28, 2023
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Scratch and Itch Definitions
Scratch
Scratch is to scrape or rub a surface, especially skin, with something sharp or rough.
The cat left a scratch on the sofa with its claws.
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Nov 24, 2023
Itch
Itch refers to an uncomfortable sensation on the skin that provokes a desire to scratch.
A persistent itch on her back was bothering her all day.
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Nov 24, 2023
Scratch
Scratch can mean to make a shallow cut or mark on a surface with a sharp object.
Be careful not to scratch the paint on the car.
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Nov 24, 2023
Itch
Itch can mean a restless or strong desire for something.
He's always had an itch for adventure.
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Nov 24, 2023
Scratch
Scratch refers to the act of scraping the skin with nails to relieve itching.
He had to scratch his arm where the mosquito bit him.
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Nov 24, 2023
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Itch
In colloquial use, itch can represent a nagging or persistent problem.
Solving the puzzle was an itch he couldn't scratch.
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Nov 24, 2023
Scratch
Scratch is also used to describe starting something from the beginning.
They decided to scratch the original concept and develop a new strategy.
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Nov 24, 2023
Scratch
To make a thin shallow cut or mark on (a surface) with a sharp instrument.
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
Any of various skin disorders, such as scabies, marked by intense irritation and itching.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To write or draw (something) by scraping a surface
Scratched their initials on a rock.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To strike out or cancel (a word, for example) by or as if by drawing lines through.
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
A sensation felt on an area of the skin that causes a person or animal to want to scratch said area.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To withdraw (an entry) from a contest or competition
The jockey decided to scratch the horse when it sprained its ankle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To withdraw an entry from (a contest or competition)
Having won three races already, the swimmer scratched her final event.
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
(intransitive) To have a constant, teasing urge; to feel strongly motivated; to want or desire something.
He started learning to drive and he has been itching for opportunities to practice ever since.
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
To have an uneasy sensation in the skin, which inclines the person to scratch the part affected.
My mouth hath itched all this long day.
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
To have a constant desire or teasing uneasiness; to long for; as, itching ears.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
(Games) To make a shot in billiards that results in a penalty, as when the cue ball falls into a pocket or jumps the cushion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
An eruption of small, isolated, acuminated vesicles, produced by the entrance of a parasitic mite (the Sarcoptes scabei), and attended with itching. It is transmissible by contact.
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
A sensation in the skin occasioned (or resembling that occasioned) by the itch eruption; - called also scabies, psora, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
A contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation;
He has a bad case of the itch
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
Scrape or rub as if to relieve itching;
Don't scratch your insect bites!
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
Have a strong desire or urge to do something;
She is itching to start the project
He is spoiling for a fight
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Oct 19, 2023
Itch
Itch is used to describe a minor annoyance or irritation.
The constant noise from the construction site became an itch he couldn't ignore.
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Nov 24, 2023
Itch
Itch may also imply a desire or urge to do something.
After years of routine, she felt the itch to travel the world.
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Nov 24, 2023
Scratch
To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
Could you please scratch my back?
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
Hence, to remove, ignore, or delete.
Scratch what I said earlier; I was wrong.
When the favorite was scratched from the race, there was a riot at the betting windows.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
(music) To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
(billiards) To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
(ambitransitive) To dig or excavate with the claws.
Some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure.
The cat scratched the little girl.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To announce one's non-participation in a race or sports event part of a larger sports meeting that they were previously signed up for, usually in lieu of another event at the same meeting.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.
Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
(horse racing) A horse withdrawn from a race prior to the start.
There were two scratches in race 8, which reduced the field from 9 horses to 7.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
A feed, usually a mixture of a few common grains, given to chickens.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
(in the plural) Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.
This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation
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Scratch
(computing) Relating to a scratchpad, a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.
Scratch memory
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
(sports) (of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or ragged; to scrape, roughen, or wound slightly by drawing something pointed or rough across, as the claws, the nails, a pin, or the like.
Small sand-colored stones, so hard as to scratch glass.
Be mindful, when invention fails,To scratch your head, and bite your nails.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To cancel by drawing one or more lines through, as the name of a candidate upon a ballot, or of a horse in a list; hence, to erase; to efface; - often with out.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To dig or excavate with the claws; as, some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To use the claws or nails in tearing or in digging; to make scratches.
Dull, tame things, . . . that will neither bite nor scratch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
A break in the surface of a thing made by scratching, or by rubbing with anything pointed or rough; a slight wound, mark, furrow, or incision.
The coarse file . . . makes deep scratches in the work.
These nails with scratches deform my breast.
God forbid a shallow scratch should driveThe prince of Wales from such a field as this.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
A line across the prize ring; up to which boxers are brought when they join fight; hence, test, trial, or proof of courage; as, to bring to the scratch; to come up to the scratch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by the player; a fluke.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
In various sports, the line from which the start is made, except in the case of contestants receiving a distance handicap.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
Made, done, or happening by chance; arranged with little or no preparation; determined by circumstances; haphazard; as, a scratch team; a scratch crew for a boat race; a scratch shot in billiards.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
A harsh noise made by scraping;
The scrape of violin bows distracted her
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
Scrape or rub as if to relieve itching;
Don't scratch your insect bites!
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Oct 19, 2023
Scratch
In a broader sense, scratch means to eliminate or cancel something.
The plans for the outdoor event were scratched due to rain.
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Nov 24, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What causes an itch?
Itches can be caused by various factors like dry skin, allergies, or insect bites.
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Nov 28, 2023
What is an itch?
An itch is an uncomfortable sensation on the skin that causes a desire to scratch.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can scratching relieve an itch?
Yes, scratching can temporarily relieve the sensation of an itch.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are there diseases associated with chronic itching?
Yes, conditions like eczema or psoriasis can cause chronic itching.
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Nov 28, 2023
What does scratch mean?
Scratch means to rub or scrape the skin, or a surface, with a sharp or rough object.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is scratching always the best way to relieve an itch?
Not always, as excessive scratching can damage the skin.
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Nov 28, 2023
What are some alternatives to scratching?
Alternatives include using moisturizers, anti-itch creams, or cold compresses.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can scratching spread an itch?
In some cases, like with rashes, scratching can spread the irritant and worsen the itch.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is an itch always visible on the skin?
Not always; some itches may not have any visible signs on the skin.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can mental health affect itching?
Yes, mental health issues like anxiety can sometimes manifest as itching.
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Nov 28, 2023
How can I prevent scratching in my sleep?
Keeping nails short and using anti-itch creams before bed can help.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can scratching lead to infection?
Yes, if the skin is broken, scratching can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can an itch be psychological?
Yes, sometimes an itch can be caused by psychological factors like stress.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can both animals and humans experience itching?
Yes, both animals and humans can experience and respond to itching.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are there medical treatments for severe itching?
Yes, treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other medications.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does hydration affect skin itchiness?
Yes, well-hydrated skin is less likely to be dry and itchy.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is itchiness a common allergic reaction?
Yes, itchiness is a common symptom of allergic reactions.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can certain fabrics worsen itching?
Yes, rough or irritating fabrics can exacerbate itching.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are there natural remedies for itching?
Yes, remedies like aloe vera or oatmeal baths can soothe itching.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is it normal for an itch to come and go?
Yes, it's common for the sensation of itching to be intermittent.
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Nov 28, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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