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A scratcher is nothing without an itch, one justifies the other. However, the body and mind are wont to itch, and without adequate scratching the problem will only intensify. Save persistent, chronic itching that demands consultation with a doctor one of the best back scratchers will keep most folks from rubbing up against stationary objects black bear-style. The middle-lower back is out of reach for most people, and a lengthened claw-like device can not only satisfy the need quickly but maintain one’s self-sufficiency.
Not only does scratching that itch with the right tool feel amazing, using a back scratcher delivers other simple benefits. “It reduces the risk of skin damage that can be caused by aggressive scratching using nails, and a back scratcher can also serve as a tool for self-massage, aiding in relaxation and stress relief,” Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says. Using a back scratcher can also promote blood circulation to support healthy skin and reduce the spread of bacteria from hands to body skin, she adds.
Perhaps best of all, men can have all of these benefits — mostly the seamless ability to leave no back itch unscratched — for well under $20, depending on the kind of back scratcher.
SPY spoke with four experts to understand the pros and cons of back scratchers, including Dr. Chacon, double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, dermatologist Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry of Scandinavian Biolabs, and Marina Sominsky, RN and owner of Capital Aesthetics.
Using a back scratcher has mental and physical benefits, according to Sominsky. “It feels good and allows our brains to release additional serotonin,” a hormone response to scratching any itch. It’s important to not go overboard, however, and understand how harsh a back scratcher can be.
Chacon and Sominsky say bear claws, which are often metal, tend to be the most aggressive with the least amount of force, making them perfect for deeper itches. At the same time, that could ultimately contribute to skin irritation or abrasions with excessive use. “The coarser and more durable the material, the more aggressive the scratch,” Camp explains. On the less aggressive side, bamboo, some plastic, and silicone rubber options tend to be softer and gentler while still alleviating the agony of the unreachable itch. “Silicone is a softer, lighter material that is durable enough to last a long time and can provide effective scratching without being as harsh on your skin,” Sominsky says.
All of the experts also recommended semi-regular back scratcher cleanings because anything being rubbed, scrubbed, or scratched all over the skin has the potential to spread bacteria and risk infection.
“Back scratchers should be cleaned regularly, especially those used directly on skin,” Camp says. “Bacteria, oil, residue, and mold can accumulate on scratchers.” Chacon and Sominsky say cleaning the back scratcher with mild soap and water and drying it will keep it in hygienic, working order.
Beyond material, any good scratcher should be able to reach all around the back. Some options are simply long enough while others telescope, which can make them more convenient for reaching areas quickly.
BEST OVERALL
The Tukuos Telescoping Back Scratcher is our top pick for a well-made, durable back scratcher that’ll satisfy. It extends fully to 30 inches in length and collapses to just 8 inches for portability.
“But most importantly, it offers multiple head options for deeper scratches or just light back and body scratching,” Sominsky says. She recommends the rubber head for a “firm but comfortable scratching experience,” but the metal bear claw and rake heads work great for more aggressive scratching.
With its metal body and swapping heads, the Tukuos back scratcher is also easy to clean. And even if anything happens to it, like a break or a lost part, it’s priced at $12 so it’s not the end of the world.
RUNNER UP
Why It Stands Out: Wooden back scratchers like the Warmlife Bamboo Back Scratcher are the classic and generally most popular option for good reason. They’re cheap, effective, and eco-friendly.
ROI: For the low price of $10, guys get two bamboo back scratchers here. Trust us, one will get lost or accidentally snapped in two.
Hot Take: Sominsky says, “Bamboo back scratchers feel more natural on your skin, and are not very abrasive, although they do tend to wear, which can be bad for your skin.” Chacon and Camp also warn bamboo back scratcher users to be wary of splinters, which can be initially present or formed over time.
PREMIUM BACK SCRATCHER
Why It Stands Out: With 18 inches of reach, a drink coaster-sized scratch pad, and a solid plastic body, this has earned its name as the Ultimate Back Scratcher. The large scratching surface features soft rubber plastic and the scratcher comes with a stiffer pad for deeper scratching too.
ROI: At just under $20, this is a pricier model than the others but its larger design makes it worth the added cost.
Hot Take: Chaudhry says, “The Ultimate Back Scratcher has a unique design that might cater to a different feel,” and he’s right. This is what a back-scratcher might be like if designed from the ground up. The large scratching surface and hundreds of bristles, softer or stiffer, make scratching easier and less risky. The bristles lower the chances of over-scratching, and the plastic material makes this easier to clean.
BEST FOR THE REAL WORLD
Why It Stands Out: Scratch My Back Grid T-Shirt is the only back scratcher tool that can come everywhere, though it does require at least two people. However, it can make an excellent, hilarious, alternative gift back scratcher.
ROI: At a little under $15, the ROI on this back scratcher really depends on other people willing to scratch.
Hot Take: Some people were born to scratch other people’s backs. This T-shirt is the map for those who were not.
Back scratchers mostly differ in two ways: what they’re made of and the design of the scratching part. Bamboo, metal, plastic, and silicone rubber are the most common.
Popular head designs include bear claw, cactus-style or spiky plastic bristles as well as other types of claws and styles of plastic.
Metal options tend to be the most aggressive while silicone rubber and some plastics are the softest. Bamboo isn’t exactly soft, but it often delivers a more mild and natural scratch.
Yes. They can accumulate dead skin, oils, and bacteria — all of which should be washed away promptly.
“For plastic or metal back scratchers, you can use warm soapy water, rinse it well, and then dry thoroughly,” Chacon says. “For wooden back scratchers, it’s better to avoid soaking them in water as this can cause the wood to warp or crack. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe it down and then dry it immediately.”
Yes, but if the scratcher is made of wood or another material that isn’t waterproof exercise caution and diligent cleaning habits to prevent mold growth.
“The risks associated with back scratchers are minimal but real,” Chaudhry says. “Aggressive use can lead to skin abrasions, and there’s also a risk of bacterial infection if the scratcher is not kept clean.”
Camp adds that back scratchers can increase the risk of skin rashes, including Lichen simplex chronicus and potentially macular amyloid.
He recommends a cold compress as a less abrasive alternative to back-scratching.
