Figure 1.

Time course of the perceived intensity of itch and nociceptive sensations evoked by single vs. multiple spicules containing capsaicin or histamine. A-F, The mean ratings of itch, pricking/stinging and burning obtained from 10 subjects are plotted for successive intervals of 30 s after spicule application. For clarity, the SEM is plotted every 5 min starting with the peak rating for each quality. On the right vertical axis, the locations of 3 of the verbal descriptors are shown in correspondence with the ratings of perceived intensity indicated on the left vertical axis (see section 2.7 for further details).