Why Just Talking About Bugs Can Make You Start Scratching

If you’ve ever had a conversation about bugs and felt the urge to itch, don’t worry, there’s a scientific explanation!

Experts say our brains can generate sensations even when there’s no physical stimulus. Just hearing about insects or seeing someone else scratch can trigger the same neural circuits as if it were happening to us.

Emotions can also play a part in the contagious itch, especially if you’re not a fan of bugs. Ultimately, your brain is simply trying to protect you, even if there aren’t any bugs around!