Is Scratching Rude?

[Forest Walker]

Is it considered rude to scratch in public?  Or is it embarrassing to those around you if you do scratch?

We've moved into town from the countryside where there was a lot of privacy.  Our new house is not yet unpacked. We are laboring through this move, carrying heavy boxes, moving furniture, etc.  We had curtains open, window blinds open, neighbor houses surrounding us, sunlight shining in, and I reached both hands to my scalp and had a little scratching while standing and resting a moment.

"The neighbors will see you!" my partner exclaimed.

Huh?

That was the first indication I had from him that maybe my scratching is embarrassing to him.

What is the etiquette for scratching?

Are there different rules for scratching in public versus scratching in your own home?  I DO vacuum up any flakes I leave on the floor or chairs at home.  But I wonder, now, if my idle scratching within my home is unsettling to my partner and that he hasn't said anything, yet.

How do you cope with itching when you are with other people in general and with your intimate family in particular?

[mataribot]

So my wife used to get upset at me for scratching my psoriasis in our home... but one day she got psoriasis and the the tables have turned 

The better way to handle it someone scratching is to explain to them how they are going to end up with an infection and make things worse...

But honestly, I don't see it as rude to scratch yourself at home..

[Fred]

It depends on where I am and who with, for example I wouldn't scratch in the doctors waiting room or at the mayors office. But I would have no problem scratching in my house or car , as for my neighbours seeing me scratch in my own house ................... the nosey buggers shouldn't be looking.

Is it rude to scratch in public ? No I don't think so, people do a lot worse sometimes and to be honest I doubt anyone would worry about it. If they did then they really should get life.

[Forest Walker]

Thanks, Mataribot and Fred.  

Do you ever find yourself scratching during idle moments, such as while reading, watching a video, or during a phone conversation?  And once you begin scratching one place, do several other places wake up and demand a scratching, too?

[Kat]

I scratch at home.... and just had an infection which has since cleared. At least I think it was an infection. The glands in the back of my neck were swollen and VERY sore to the touch. I read where a skin infection could cause that and since I scratch ears, neck and scalp way too often, I think it was related. But I digress...

I try very hard NOT to scratch in public. At home it has become almost a habit to where sometimes I idly scratch when I don't itch all that much. I find that since it's not a habit away from home and I'm usually doing something , I scratch less than when I am at home.

As for etiquette for scratching, I don't think there really is one. Personally I think what you do in your own home is no one's business but yours and if they are looking... oh well. Same for your yard, your car, etc. As for public places, I do feel it would be a bit rude to overdo the scratching. I think it's because if I didn't have psoriasis and was sitting near someone at a public event and they continuously scratched, I would wonder what was causing the itch and perhaps wonder if it was contagious. Technically since I'm not hurting anyone it doesn't really matter but for the comfort of everyone it's probably polite to try not to scratch. The only place I'd be concerned would be another person's home. I used to worry a bit at in laws house. Afraid I was leaving flakes behind wherever I went and if I should offer to clean up after myself type thing.... I ended up just trying really hard NOT to scratch while there and if the itching got to me, I'd step outside if possible and have a good scratch. Also I tried to stay really moisturized while visiting to help with the dryness and the itchiness.

[D Foster]

I think that it depends on what you are scratching at the time if you are in public but in your own home you can scratch what you want when you want.

[Bill]

Only if your name is Barry.

[Caroline]

Only if your name is Barry.

[Forest Walker]

So my wife used to get upset at me for scratching my psoriasis in our home... but one day she got psoriasis and the the tables have turned 

The better way to handle it someone scratching is to explain to them how they are going to end up with an infection and make things worse...

But honestly, I don't see it as rude to scratch yourself at home..

Wow, it's too bad for your wife that she developed psoriasis, also.  There must be some environmental factor, whether it's the air we're breathing, the food we're eating, or the manufactured items in our homes, that contributes to auto-immune diseases.  

At least, she developed a better appreciation for what you've been going through, mataribot.

[Forest Walker]

I scratch at home.... and just had an infection which has since cleared.  At least I think it was an infection.  The glands in the back of my neck were swollen and VERY sore to the touch.  I read where a skin infection could cause that and since I scratch ears, neck and scalp way too often, I think it was related.  But I digress...

I try very hard NOT to scratch in public.  At home it has become almost a habit to where sometimes I idly scratch when I don't itch all that much.  I find that since it's not a habit away from home and I'm usually doing something , I scratch less than when I am at home.

As for etiquette for scratching, I don't think there really is one.  Personally I think what you do in your own home is no one's business but yours and if they are looking... oh well.  Same for your yard, your car, etc.  As for public places, I do feel it would be a bit rude to overdo the scratching.  I think it's because if I didn't have psoriasis and was sitting near someone at a public event and they continuously scratched, I would wonder what was causing the itch and perhaps wonder if it was contagious.  Technically since I'm not hurting anyone it doesn't really matter but for the comfort of everyone it's probably polite to try not to scratch.  The only place I'd be concerned would be another person's home.  I used to worry a bit at in laws house.  Afraid I was leaving flakes behind wherever I went and if I should offer to clean up after myself type thing....    I ended up just trying really hard NOT to scratch while there and if the itching got to me, I'd step outside if possible and have a good scratch.  Also I tried to stay really moisturized while visiting to help with the dryness and the itchiness.

It's so helpful to read this, Kat.  It's sort of a habit at home with me, too, sometimes. I've taken up crocheting to keep my hands busy while watching a television show.  That helps.  

Oh, the stress of in-laws when you are a young wife can be intense.  But to have the worry about the flakes is so much more stressful.  I feel for you.  

I'm glad your infection has resolved.  It certainly could have been from your skin.