BLAME THE PICKS
When the man walks, the friction of the pubic hair on the skin of the groin (which is more sensitive and vascularized than the other parts of the body) causes a sensation of discomfort and generates itching
PASSING THE HAND IS GOOD
Science still doesn’t know why, but scratching stimulates a brain region related to pleasure. When we scratch, we eliminate an unpleasant sensation and, therefore, the brain interprets the act as a reward.
MACHO MAN
Scratching the balls is also a symbolic habit. Culturally, the act can be understood as an affirmation of male identity and a symbol of power and virility.
ANXIOUS LITTLE HAND
Apart from habit, itching can also be a form of stress expression. People who show signs of acute anxiety or depression may develop psychological itch in a certain area of the skin, such as the sac.
ALMOST MASOCHISM
The skin has two types of nerve receptors: pain and itch. By scratching the skin, we activate pain receptors too – as the two sensations make the same path to the brain, but at different times
PEREBA IN SAMBA-CANÇÃO
Scratching the sac is natural, but it can also indicate infections. The most common type of mycosis is Tinea cruris, a fungal infection that generates intense scratching. Another recurrent is neurodermatitis, caused by the itch itself. The more you rub, the more the disease spreads. In these cases, treatment is done with anti-inflammatory ointments and, of course, controlling the temptation to run your hand there.
Curiosity: Rubbing the skin with your finger increases blood flow in the area and also improves the immune defense of the groin area.
SOURCES SUPERINTERESSANTE and Mental Healthy Magazine
CONSULTANCY Maria Elisa Máximo, doctor in behavioral anthropology from UFSC, and André Avarese de Figueiredo, doctor in urology and coordinator of the postgraduate course in urology at UFJF Reader Question – Elizangela, Brasilia, DF
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