Tickling and itching are both sensations caused by stimulation of the integumental surface of the body. Tickling refers to the tingling sensation that is produced by a light moving type of touch on the skin. Any number of objects contacting the skin, from fingers to a feather can cause the sensation. If the touch becomes harder, the tickling sensation can be replaced by pain.

An itch is an irritable sensation that is caused by the stimulation of nerves in the skin that are sensitive to pain. But the responses to these two stimuli differ; humans draw away from the source of pain, but will scratch at an itch. The basis of this difference in the same nerve is still unclear.

Itching is also known as pruritis. The sensation of itching is produced by a number of causes. Chemicals can react with the...