Itching of the skin is a typical symptom that most Morgellon's Sufferers experience. I found this press release, Study reviews what causes chronic itching and scratching, which is primarily for psoriasis and eczema, however, it states,"Generally speaking, scratching is not very helpful for long-term conditions like eczema or even short-term itches like mosquito bites," says Kim, who co-authored the review with immunology Ph.D. student Madison Mack. 'It's likely triggering more inflammation and, inadvertently, infection. But scratching is very much a reflex; it's hard to tell people not to do it."

Scratching in response to skin irritation damages the outermost skin cells, releasing signaling proteins such as cytokines that activate itch-sensory neurons in the skin. These neurons in turn produce signals that trigger inflammation and scratching behavior.

Itch may also be related to pain. Some itch and pain sensory pathways are thought to overlap in the nervous system. Some research suggests that scratching can override the itchy feeling by activating pain-sensory neurons in the spinal cord that inhibit itch neurons."

Yes, when you scratch, any bacteria you may have under your finger nails is transferred to the epidermis of your skin and can create inflammationand or rashes and infection. Better to apply the Nature's Gift diluted debriding soap or better yet, our skin lotion or Claudia's Dream Cream™ as soon as possible and instead of scratching with your finger nails, rub the skin as you apply the creams or lotions. I would recommend applying either a lotion or cream as they will require less application than the diluted NG. With the diluted NG you need to apply more frequently.