We’ve all experienced this at some point – our back is itching, and no matter what we do we just can’t reach the right spot and scratch it properly! So, we try to find anything that would work – a pen, a ladle, a book, anything!
But alas, there’s nothing that works. So we just resort to rubbing our back against a piece of furniture like a monkey against a tree. Not the prettiest sight in the world, for sure.
If this happens to you a lot, getting a back scratcher might be the best solution available, at least until a universal anti-itch medicine appears 50 years from now.
Today I’ll help you scratch your itch by reviewing the best back scratchers you can find. Take a look at them with me.
What You Need to Know About Back Scratchers
The Main Benefits of Back Scratchers
Best Back Scratchers of 2021 – Compared and Contrasted
Top 16 Best Back Scratchers in 2021 Reviewed
Getting the Best Back Scratcher – A Complete Buying Guide
The Common Causes of an Itchy Back – And How to Deal With Them
Back Scratcher FAQ
The Final Word on the Best Back Scratcher
What You Need to Know About Back Scratchers
Back scratchers are simple devices – if you can even call them that. Just a stick that’s curved and sharp at one end so you can scratch the places you can’t reach. What’s there to know about that?
Well, like anything else that’s simple, humanity found a way to make it complicated over the years.
These days back scratchers come in many different shapes and forms and can be made from a wide variety of materials. Many of them have additional bells and whistles that make them more convenient in some way – whether it’s by making them easier to use or adding additional functions.
Of course, if you prefer simplicity, back scratchers which are little more than sharpened, curved sticks still exist out there. However, even most of them have been made a bit more stylish. Today you can get back scratchers that look like almost anything you might want.
No matter the back scratcher you get, they can offer a lot more than might be obvious at first glance. They’re not just there to scratch your back – they can do more than that, and I’ll show you how.
The Main Benefits of Back Scratchers
You’re probably already familiar with some of the main benefits that a back scratcher – but I’ll go over them just in case. There might be a few things that will surprise you.
1Makes Scratching Easier and Safer
This is the main and most obvious benefit of a back scratcher – helping you scratch the itch you can’t reach. They’re made for scratching, and they’ll be more efficient at that than other things around the house or your fingers.
Some of them can extend to the perfect length to reach the spot that’s troubling you and give you the perfect itch relief that you’re after.
This is most important for people who simply can’t reach some spots on their body no matter how much they try. Disabled people and the elderly are among those most affected and back scratchers for elderly people are booming these days.
Using a back scratcher also makes scratching cleaner. Your fingers and especially your fingernails can be extremely dirty, as can other objects around your home. If you have a dedicated device for scratching that you wash often, you’ll reduce the risks of skin infections when you’re scratching yourself.
2Pain Relief
Yes, back scratchers can help with pain in your back, or anywhere else, and here’s how.
You can easily use some back scratchers to give yourself a deep tissue massage in a spot you couldn’t otherwise reach. They’re not as effective as handheld massagers in some ways, but they do offer you more control, and you can get a type of massage which something round and blunt like a massager just can’t offer.
If you didn’t know, similar bodily mechanisms are involved in both pain and itchiness. That’s why this can help relieve some types of pain and improve your mobility while also keeping you itch-free at the same time. Some back scratchers even have attachments that are specifically made for massaging.
Just make sure to use some oil to help the massage be smoother and to thoroughly wash your back scratcher afterward.
3Exfoliation
If you don’t know what exfoliation is – it’s the process of removing a layer of dead skin cells from your body. The reason you’d want to do this is because a build-up of dead skin tissue can lead to infections, clogged pores, acne, and many other problems.
Have you ever had a painful, large pimple in the middle of your back? It’s quite an ordeal, you can’t get rid of it on your own and no one else, not even your partner, want to touch the disgusting thing.
Well, regular exfoliation can help prevent that from happening and back scratchers can be quite effective for that purpose, especially those that can cover a large surface and have a lot of small spikes.
It’s easy to do – just rub your back with it during a shower – and you’ll get rid of most of the dead skin without a lot of effort, and it’s safer than chemical peeling. Just make sure this type of exfoliation fits your skin type.
Best Back Scratchers of 2021 – Compared and Contrasted
If you want to quickly find out which of these back scratches would suit you the best, I’ve made a chart that compares the best back scratchers available! If you have more time though, be sure to read my detailed reviews of each down below.
Top 16 Best Back Scratchers in 2021 Reviewed
Back Rake by J Farnsworth WoodworksScratch Your Back With Style
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The Back rake is a beautifully crafted wooden back scratcher with multiple functions. The head has 4 sides, each with a different shape, allowing you to get a different experience each time.
The wide sides can be used to cover a large area of your back, while one of the shorter sides is more suited for pin-point scratching.
While it’s not too flexible, the construction is definitely durable, and it will last more than other back scratchers might.
However, none of the spikes on it are that good for scratching as they’re not sharp enough. If you need something to get rid of a strong itch, this is not it. However, since the wood is quite strong, you can probably sharpen it without breaking it.
It’s also a bit shorter than you might expect and it’s definitely shorter than a lot of other similar products.
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Pros
- Has 4 different functions since each of the 4 sides on the head is a different shape
- The wide sides can cover a large area of your back
- Made out of quality wood and more durable than most other scratchers
- The price point is definitely affordable for most people
Cons
- It’s a bit on the short side when it comes to scratchers
- The spikes are not sharp enough for extremely strong itches
Back scratchers that can offer different levels of sharpness and itch-relief in one product are always better if you’re buying them for the whole family. That way, everyone will be satisfied.
WOVTE Bear Claw Stronger Than a Bear
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Here’s a back scratcher featuring the always popular ‘bear claw’ design that you’ve probably seen at least once before.
The design definitely has some benefits and the scratching tips, or ‘claws’ here are quite sharp. They can definitely offer similar or better relief than fingernails can.
The main part of the scratcher is made out of metal – mostly stainless steel, to be precise. While it is mostly hollow, it’s still durable and doesn’t bend too much, even under pressure.
The grip is decent, but it can slide off the metal part which can be a problem while you’re scratching. The telescopic handle can also extend on its own when you don’t want it to.
Overall, it is an effective and affordable scratcher with a few niggling issues that might pose a problem but can definitely be dealt with.
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Pros
- Compact and easily portable
- Quite long when extended and can extend to 4 different sizes
- The claws on the tip are extremely sharp, and it’s easy to get the relief you need
- The metal part is definitely sturdy and doesn’t bend too much
- It comes at an affordable price point
Cons
- The plastic grip can slide off the metal parts
- It often starts extending on its own when you don’t want it to
Cheaper scratchers often have some issues you’ll have to accept and deal with, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth buying.
Bearback Back Scratcher The Bear Necessity
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True to its name, this is a scratcher that definitely intended for use on a bare back. It’s got a brush-like head with plastic bristles that works well for exfoliation and scratching a large area.
The handle is also made out of plastic, and it is foldable, allowing you to easily carry this back scratcher around in your pocket if you want to.
The lower end of the handle has two point bits that they call ‘bear knuckles’ and which you can use to target some of the nastier itches you might have.
However, neither end is too sharp and won’t work that well for some of the nastier itches. Some say that clipping the ends of the bristles might produce a better scratcher, but that might also make the bristles too sharp and hurt you.
Overall, it’s a good and unique design, but it’s just not worth the asking price I’m afraid. If it was a bit cheaper, it might be worth considering – maybe if it goes on sale.
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Pros
- The brush-like head is great for exfoliation
- Both ends of the scratcher can be used on your back and offer different experiences
- It’s foldable so you can easily store it in your pocket
- Durable despite the plastic construction
Cons
- The price is definitely too high for what you get
- Not sharp enough for extremely strong itches
It’s worth paying a bit more for good products but you need to know when you’re getting ripped off. It’s a fine line between the two.
Original Cactus Back ScratcherUnique and Flexible
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This is a unique-looking back scratcher, more akin to a back-scrubber but with a few modifications. It has a round head made out of hard plastic with two different sets of spikes on each side – one shallow and dull while the other is longer and sharper. However, neither side is as sharp as they should be for stronger itches.
The head is connected to two elastic bands each with a plastic ball on the end for easier gripping. It’s definitely a design different from the norm, and you can’t use this scratcher one-handed.
There are some benefits to this style though as it lets you control the pressure much better and you can cover a larger area than with a regular back scratcher.
While the style might or might not be to your liking, it is a durable back scratcher with good reach, and it’s quite flexible.
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Pros
- The head offers two different sets of spikes for scratching
- Can easily scratch a large area at once
- Offers more control than most other back scratchers
- Durable and flexible at the same time
- Good for exfoliation while showering
Cons
- You can’t use it with just one hand
- The spikes are not sharp enough to scratch tougher itches
Back scrubbers are better for exfoliation than most other back scratchers, but they do require both hands to use and aren’t as useful in casual situations.
BambooWorx 4 Piece Traditional Back Scratcher A Versatile and Affordable Set
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This is not just one back scratcher but a set of 4, each with a unique style.
They’re all made out of hard but light bamboo and have the same basic design – almost like a flat wooden plank that’s slightly curved and sharpened on one end. However, each of the 4 in the set is slightly different.
There’s the standard scratcher with no additions; then there’s the slimmer ‘travel size’ scratcher that can also be used as a shoe horn; a wider scratcher with two massage rollers on the handle and finally a scratcher with a ball massager on the handle.
It’s fair to say that while the massaging accessories work well, they’re not all that special. Still, they’re useful enough.
However, back scratchers are for scratching, and these are akin to getting a scratching from someone without fingernails. Decent, but not sharp enough and you can’t sharpen them since the bamboo used to make them is not durable enough and splits.
Overall, it’s s a great deal for the price with a lot of variety, so they are worth getting for that alone.
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Pros
- Extremely affordable price for what you get in the package
- Each of the 4 back scratchers is different with great accessories
- The massaging accessories work well
- Lightweight and easy to hold while scratching
Cons
- Not as durable as back scratchers made from harder wood
- The scratching ends are not sharp enough and can’t be easily sharpened
While great accessories should never be the main reason for getting a certain back scratcher, they can’t hurt, especially if the price is this good.
Funny Basswood Cat Back Scratcher The Best Gift for Cat Lovers
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If you’re looking for an interesting-looking back scratcher, look no further. This unique wooden scratcher looks like a stretching cat that’s scratching at your back while you hold it by the tail.
However, novelty-value is not all that this scratcher has going for it. It’s also quite long – 19 inches in total – and it’s easy to scratch a specific spot with it.
It’s sharp too, unlike a lot of wooden back scratchers and it can work for even the worst of itches.
Sadly, while it looks nice the shape makes it less functional. If you try to slide it under your clothes, it’ll snag easily, and you won’t be able to scratch yourself properly. You might even break something off since it’s rather flimsy.
For a price this high, it doesn’t seem that worth buying unless you like the look a lot.
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Pros
- It’s a unique-looking scratcher that you can show off to your guests
- Quite long with a total reach of 19 inches
- Definitely sharp enough to scratch the worst of itches
Cons
- It can be difficult to use, especially if you want to slide it under your clothes
- The price is too high for what you get
- It’s not that well-made, and it doesn’t seem durable at all
Lots of back scratchers are also novelty-items, and some of them are better when hung on the wall as decoration than when being used as back scratchers.
Portable Extendable Back Scratcher, OWUDE Pocket-sized Itch Relief
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In this set, you get two identical back scratchers in different colors. They’re made entirely out of stainless steel and are made mostly with portability in mind, over anything else.
The handle is telescopic, extendable to a maximum amount of 20 inches, but the scratchers are almost pen-sized when completely collapsed. They even have a pocket clip on the handle, allowing you to carry them with you.
While it might not seem like it, the head is quite sharp, and you can get even through some of the worst itches by using these scratchers.
Sadly, they’re rather flimsy, especially when fully extended. The handle is hollow and easy to break if you’re not careful. The paint also starts coming off after only a few weeks. Luckily, the price is quite low, so you won’t be too hurt if they do break.
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Pros
- The set comes at a good value price
- Easy to carry around due to the small size and a pocket clip
- Can extend to a great length of 20 inches
- It’s certainly sharp enough for some tougher itches
Cons
- Rather flimsy and easy to break, especially when extended
- The paint starts coming off after a while
When you’re buying a back scratcher, you’re probably not buying it for life – it’s completely fine to look at cheaper back scratchers as expendable tools and buy them even if you think they’ll break in a few months.
Lady Redneck Backscratcher The Perfect Back Scratching Valentine’s Gift
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This is another novelty back scratcher, shaped to look like a rake and with some strange marketing behind it. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not that effective as a back scratcher.
On the contrary, it works quite well. It can cover a large area of your back, and the prongs can conform to the curves to give you a good scratching. It’s also quite sharp, even though it’s made mostly out of plastic.
The durability is admirable, and it doesn’t break easily, and it’s quite long too. However, the handle is a bit too straight, so it’s difficult to angle it properly and get to some specific spots.
It is overpriced for what you get, and while it’s a decent back scratcher and a nice novelty item, it’s not quite worth the price.
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Pros
- The prongs are more than sharp enough for scratching
- It conforms to the curve of your back
- The construction is quite durable overall
- The handle is more than long enough
Cons
- The price is too high for a product like this
- It’s difficult to focus on one spot since the handle is too straight
Back scratchers that are too rigid might not be able to bend to reach some tough spots, but those that are too flexible might break under pressure. Try to find one that can balance durability with flexibility.
COMBOO CS-14 16.5″ Long Back Scratcher Scratching and Massaging in One Package (Editor’s Pick)
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While this back scratcher might look a bit like wood from a distance, it’s made entirely out of plastic. Despite that, it’s rather sturdy and won’t break as easily as other plastic scratchers might.
It’s a got a classic look with the scratcher part looking like an open human hand. It’s not too sharp though, so it’s not the best for those huge itching spells, but it does the job.
The massager rollers on the end of the handle are great and can be used to provide a great massage. However, they do make the scratcher effectively shorter than it otherwise would be – its stated length is 16.5 inches, but the effective length is more around 14 inches.
Overall, it’s not too bad though it might not be as effective as some other scratchers on the market.
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Pros
- Great quality and durability despite the completely plastic construction
- Has a great set of massager rollers on the handle
- The price is simply a steal for what you get out of this back scratcher
Cons
- Not as sharp as it should be for stronger itches
- It’s shorter than you would expect, due to the rollers
Extra features on a back scratcher are great – as long as they don’t interfere with its main job, which is to scratch your back well.
Cactus Back Scratcher On a Stick Even Scratchier Than the Original
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For the most part, the design of the head of this back scratcher is the same as the other Cactus back scratcher. It’s an oval shape made out of hard plastic with lots of spikes on both ends, with the spikes on one end being longer and sharper.
The difference is – it’s on a stick now! Well, it’s not a stick but an extendable stainless steel handle which can extend all the way up to 26 inches. That’s much better than other scratchers, and the handle doesn’t bend too much or break.
The head is still as good as ever and great for exfoliating, though it’s not as sharp as the heads of other back scratchers. It’s also not properly attached to the handle so it can spin and turn around on a whim.
Overall, it’s a great scratcher, and amazing for exfoliation on your back and the price is decent – and the reach is amazing.
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Pros
- Two different types of spikes for different scratching levels
- Great for skin exfoliation during a shower
- Made from durable materials and won’t break easily
- The price is just right for what you get
- The reach it has is incredibly long, longer than most other scratchers
Cons
- The head is a bit on the dull side, so it’s not for tough itches
- Since the head is not well-attached, it might swivel a bit
Extendable back scratchers can be flimsy when extended to their full length, and I wouldn’t recommend using most of them when they’re fully extended.
Reach N Scratch Bendable Back Scratcher The Scratcher Made to Fit Your Back
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This is quite a unique back scratcher – it’s got a 24-inch long handle made out of flexible plastic that can be bent into any shape that suits you. It’s great for those hard-to-reach spots, and it’s super convenient for storage purposes.
The fingers of the back scratcher are not too sharp but not dull either. The handle at the bottom, however, is quite slippery so it might be hard to get an effective grip and put a lot of force into the scratching, which can make it seem too dull.
It’s durable overall despite the long handle being bendable, and you can be sure it will last for a long time.
You might find that it smells horrible when you first get it but some time out in the sun should be able to fix that.
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Pros
- The body of the scratcher can be bent any way you like
- It’s not too sharp or too dull
- Made out of durable plastic components
Cons
- The handle is poor, and it’s difficult to get a good grip
- When you first get it will smell horribly
Our bodies are not straight and rigid, so having a back scratcher that can accommodate to the shape of your body can be incredibly helpful in reaching certain itchy spots.
RENOOK Back Scratcher The Solid and Reliable Classic
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If you want a set of inexpensive, but well-made bamboo scratchers and you’re not looking for anything fancy, this will be ideal for you. You get two of them in the pack, and they’re both fairly good.
They’re made out of good bamboo, so they’re not easy to break. They are a bit dull overall, but due to the quality of the wood, you can sharpen them without worrying about destroying them.
The best part is – if one of them breaks, you get a 100% guaranteed refund from the company. So you’re completely worry-free when it comes to that. It’s an inexpensive set, to begin with though and this just adds a ton of extra value.
Overall, they’re quite basic scratchers but they do the job, and they don’t cost a lot.
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Pros
- Made out of durable bamboo that doesn’t break easily
- If one of the scratchers break you’re eligible for a full refund
- This is a relatively inexpensive set
Cons
- It’s on the duller side, so it’s not too good for bad itches
- The handle is a bit too smooth, so it’s difficult to get a good grip
Sharpening your wooden scratchers can be done with a bit of sandpaper and some patience if you think the wood is strong enough to withstand it.
JapanBargain Bamboo Back ScratcherA Classic Bamboo Scratcher
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This is a relatively basic back scratcher that’s well-made and does the job adequately, though it’s not exceptional.
It’s made out of tough bamboo, and it’s able to withstand a lot of punishment. When you get it, it won’t be sharp enough, but it’s nothing that a little sandpaper can’t handle, and the wood can withstand it.
However, while it won’t break it will splinter over time, and you need to be careful if you’re using it on your bare back – you might get some splinters under the skin.
While the handle doesn’t have any padding, it’s got a nice shape which allows you to get a good grip and exert enough force to scratch yourself properly.
Overall, it’s nothing too special, but it is more than good enough for the money.
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Pros
- Made out of incredibly sturdy bamboo so you can easily sharpen it
- The handle is well-made and easy to grip properly
- The price is simply a bargain for what you get
Cons
- The wood can splinter a bit over time
- It’s not sharp enough when you get it
Lots of wooden back scratchers have a completely smooth handle that makes it difficult to get in there and deal with that itch. Wrapping it in some electrical tape or something similar can allow you to get a better grip.
Kikkerland Expandable Backscratcher The Pocket-sized Wonder
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This is a pocket-sized extendable back scratcher that’s mostly made out of metal though it does have a handle made out of cheap beach wood. The entire scratcher is quite cheap overall, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
While it is small, the handle can extend up to 20 inches, allowing you to reach most of the spots on your back. The head is more than sharp enough to scratch your properly, though it is quite small so you might need to scratch a lot if you want to cover a large area.
Holding is easy since the grip is quite good and it won’t slip from your fingers.
I wouldn’t extend it fully if I were you though – it’s a bit too easy to break in that case. It’s still usable in that form but not if you put too much pressure on it.
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Pros
- Compact and easy to carry in your pocket wherever you go
- Has a great reach when it’s fully extended
- The grip is good and not slippery at all
- It won’t randomly extend on its own like some others
Cons
- The head is a bit too small
- The handle is quite easy to break when it’s fully extended
Telescopic back scratchers can be inconvenient to use they don’t have a good brake since they’ll randomly extend. There’s no good way to deal with this as of now.
Cotton Fly Back Scratcher with Shoe Horn Great for Your Back and Your Shoes
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If you’re looking for a good bargain on some decent back scratchers, this set is a good place to start. It comes with 4 identical back scratchers included, in different colors. On one side they have a hand-like scratcher while on the other side is a shoehorn – the traditional design.
All of the scratchers are made out of plastic, and they’re quite durable despite that and the low price. However, the plastic isn’t molded too well, so there are weird bumps all over the scratcher, and they can easily snag on your clothes.
They’re also on the longer end of the spectrum – they’re almost 20 inches long, allowing you to easily reach most tough spots.
The sharpness is not too great, about what you’d expect from a plastic scratcher but they’re still not too bad, and it’s a great bargain.
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Pros
- You get 4 scratchers for a relatively low price
- They’re all made out of durable plastic that won’t break easily
- Almost 20 inches long overall
- They’ve got a shoehorn on the bottom of the handle
Cons
- Like most plastic scratchers they’re not the sharpest tools in the shed
- The plastic has bumps all over the place that can snag on your clothes
While relatively basic-looking back scratchers might look unattractive, they have their place – they’re easy to slide under your clothes whenever you want to scratch yourself. More complicated shapes usually snag on something.
Max Force Metal Telescoping Pocket Back Scratcher Small But Impressive
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This is a tiny but powerful back scratcher that can easily fit into your pocket and comes at a fair price. It’s made out of sturdier metal than most similar scratchers so it won’t break even when you fully extend it and use it vigorously.
You don’t need to put too much force into the scratching though since the head is quite sharp despite how it looks. I wish it was a little bit bigger since you need a lot of time to cover larger areas with it as is.
The head can also swivel when you don’t want it to, making scratching a bit more difficult than it needs to be. However, it’s got a good rubber grip, so at least it’s easy to use on that front.
Overall, it’s a great little back scratcher than you can use on the go and that won’t break as easily as similar ones do.
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Pros
- It’s got a great cushioned grip made out of soft rubber
- Compact and easy to take anywhere with you
- Made out of sturdy materials and not easy to break even when fully extended
- Much sharper than you would think at first glance
Cons
- The head is a bit small, so you can’t cover a large area
- If you’re not careful the head swivels by itself when you don’t want to
Carrying a back scratcher with you can be useful for more than just scratching your back, so it never hurts to have it around if it’s pen-sized.
Getting the Best Back Scratcher – A Complete Buying Guide
There’s more to a back scratcher than you might think and the basic design of ‘sharp long stick’ has been improved upon a lot. When you’re buying a modern back scratcher, here’s what you need to watch out for.
1Finding the Right Type
First off, you need to figure out what type of back scratcher you want to get. There are tons of them out there, some of which might be surprising – take a look at what each type can offer.
Standard back scratchers
This is still the most common type of back scratcher and the most basic one – but hey, no need to fix what ain’t broken, right?
They’re usually a stick of some sort with a sharp, curved tip. The exact shape and materials they’re made of can vary greatly, but that’s the basic idea. They run the gamut from simplistic fares made out of one piece of wood to
Telescopic back scratchers
Essentially the same as a regular back scratcher, but with an extendable handle, allowing you to reach spots you otherwise wouldn’t be able to, while still keeping the scratcher relatively compact. Essentially, it’s a more professional back scratcher.
Compact back scratchers
These are back scratchers that are, in a way, the opposite of a telescopic back scratcher. They have a fixed size and reach but can usually be folded for easy storage.
They might not be able to extend as far as some other back scratchers, but you can take them with you anywhere and use them on the go – if you’re not too embarrassed to do that.
Back scrubbers
What you’ve got here is, essentially, an elastic band with two handles at each end. The band itself is covered in some sort of rough material or has a plastic or rubber piece on the middle with some spikes for scratching and exfoliating.
Some of these can be back scratchers, but they might not be necessarily made with that purpose in mind. They’re mostly made for washing and exfoliating your back, or even for massaging it. However, there are also a few that are primarily back scratchers.
These can help you cover a larger surface more easily and with more force, but they can be a bit awkward to use if you’re not used to them.
Wall-mounted back scratchers
If you’re too fond of rubbing yourself against a wall or a piece of furniture to relieve your itch and don’t want to give that up, these are the back scratchers for you.
They usually take the form of a bumpy wooden post that can be placed on a corner that you would otherwise use to scratch yourself.
Other are larger and look more like wall-mounted wooden or plastic panes with bumps on them, giving you a much larger surface for scratching your back.
Electric back scratchers
These are the back scratchers that lean a bit more towards being massagers. They are usually battery powered and have some sort of rotary function that massages you while scratching you at the same time.
They’re not as common as you might think and they’re typically less sharp than other back scratchers, so they might be a bit lacking in scratching power.
Robot back scratchers
Imagine a Roomba that moves across your back instead of your floor and scratches you instead of vacuuming. Now you have an idea of what most commercial robot back scratchers are like.
There are only a few of these available, and some take a different form – a robot hand that scratches you from behind – but they are all too expensive and bulky to be viable right now. However, this might just be the future of back scratching.
2Take a Look at the Construction
Back scratchers were traditionally made of wood, but these days they can be made out of a whole host of different materials, each with its own benefits.
Wooden back scratchers
Plastic back scratchers
Silicon back scratchers
Metal back scratchers
Bone back scratchers
3Consider the Shape
Back scratchers come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Even those of the same type can have a lot of variation in terms of shape. Most of it comes down to the shape of the scratching part, which matters a lot but the rest of it is important too.
The scratcher part of a back scratcher is most commonly shaped like a paw or a hand or something similar. It has multiple ‘claws’ that are used for scratching, and they can be rather sharp or somewhat blunter. The number can also vary from 3 or 4 to 5 or 6 and even more.
Some back scratchers can be particularly wide and resemble a rake, with a lot of spikes for scratching, allowing you to cover a larger area with one swipe. However, these can also be more unwieldy and make it difficult to focus on just one spot.
There are back scratchers out there that just have a curved ‘hook’ shape and allow you to focus more on one itchy spot. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those that resemble brushes and have a lot of small spikes.
The shape of the rest of the scratcher also matters. Is the handle easy to grip and does it sit well in your hand? Can it slip out easily? Is the body of the scratcher too unwieldy, too wide? Is it curved to allow you to reach those difficult spots or is the shape too rigid?
There’s a lot to consider, and you need to look at the whole scratcher to find the right one for you.
4Does it Offer Anything Else?
Back scratchers can be more than just that, and they can offer a wide variety of other functions.
A traditional extra function for a back scratcher is, of course, a shoe horn. You’ve probably seen one at your grandpa’s house – a wooden thing with a small hand-shaped scratcher at one end and a large shoehorn on the other.
Other back scratchers, especially wooden or plastic ones can have massage rollers embedded into their handle. It’s a good addition, especially for those who already have massaging in mind when buying a back scratcher.
There’s more, of course – some back scratcher can double as bath brushes, and I’ve even seen one that had a can-opener on the handle. These are all good additions, for the most part, and it only comes down to what you need.
5Is the Price Right?
Finally, you need to consider the price point of some of these products. Back scratchers are generally thought of as cheap things, but some can be more expensive than you might think.
However, they might also be worth it. Don’t get stuck thinking that you should never have to pay more than 10 bucks for a back scratcher, or some other arbitrary amount. Keep yourself open to the idea of getting something more expensive that might help you more than any of the cheaper options could.
Of course, don’t dismiss the cheaper and simpler options either – they might be the right ones for you. Keep your options open and think about what a back scratcher might be worth to you to figure out the ideal price for you.
The Common Causes of an Itchy Back – And How to Deal With Them
Of course, the best way to scratch that itch that’s troubling you is to stop it from ever happening. If you’re constantly struggling with an itchy back, there’s probably something at the root of it that needs to be treated with something other than a back scratcher.
Dry Skin
This is probably the most common cause of itchiness, especially on the back. Moisturizing your skin is the thing to do, but it’s difficult to moisturize your back properly, which is why it might itch more often than your other body parts.
Try drinking more water, using milder soaps and getting back massages in order to properly moisturize the skin on your back, thus preventing itchiness. Be careful when using moisturizers since a lot of their effects are unproven and dubious at best.
Allergies
It’s easy to have an allergy and not know it since it can present itself in a relatively mild way – like constant itchiness, for example. You might be allergic to a certain food item, the soap you use, your pets, the type of fabric you’re wearing or numerous other things without even knowing.
Get tested for common allergies if your back constantly itches in order to rule this out.
Nerve Disorders
The cause of your itch might have a neural base. Disorders like pinched nerves, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and more can cause itchy and tingling feelings in certain parts of your body. If you suspect you might have one of these issues, get checked out as soon as possible.
Psychosomatic Issues
Ceaseless itching might just be a physical reflection of a psychological problem you’re having – it’s usually related to anxiety disorders and depression. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘psychogenic itch’ and it’s poorly understood as of now. There are treatments that can help, so go to your doctor and see what the options are.
Medicine Side-effects
Certain medicine can produce feelings of itchiness as a side effect. The most common ones are sedatives, antibiotics, and antifungal medicine though there are others. If you’ve recently started using a prescription drug and experience feelings of itchiness, check the possible side effects and consult with your doctor.
Back Scratcher FAQ
The Final Word on the Best Back Scratcher
I’ve offered you all my knowledge on back scratcher – well, all that could fit in this article, anyway. You’ve heard my opinion on what’s good and what’s bad and what I think about the top products.
But which of them is better than the rest? As far as I’m concerned, that’s the COMBOO CS-14 16.5″ Long Back Scratcher since I just love the massage rollers on the handle and its scratching action is more than good enough. Moreover, the price is great, and it will definitely last for a long time.
That’s my favorite, and I won’t let you convince me otherwise – but you can try and feel free to comment if you have a different opinion. I’ll see you in the comment section and thanks for reading!
References
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- Laurent M, Sabine D, Myriam C, Martine S, Sylvie GC, Silla MC (2018) Psychogenic itch [Online] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5830411/ (Accessed March 05, 2021)
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- American Academy of Dermatology (2018) Dry Skin: Overview [Online] Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/dry-sweaty-skin/dry-skin (Accessed March 17, 2021)
- Anisha S, Tejinder K, SK Malhotra, ML Gambhir (2016) Moisturizers: The Slippery Road [Online] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885180/ (Accessed March 17, 2021)
- Ebata T (2016) Drug-Induced Itch Management [Online] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27578085 (Accessed March 17, 2021)
