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QWhat causes my back to itch? There is no rash that I can see, but sometimes it just itches terribly.

AConsider what the skin on your back is encountering and try changing or eliminating possible irritants.

Skin can become very dry in winter. Extreme dryness can cause skin to itch.

Sometimes skin will react to soaps, lotions or creams.

Fibers in clothing or the cleaning agents used on them can cause the skin to itch.

A common but often overlooked cause for itching, some dermatologists say, is the disposable softening or anti-static sheets put in the dryer with clothing.

If the problem continues, see a doctor.

Cell phone danger revisited

Last Sunday's column about static electricity generated a flurry of calls and e-mails from readers claiming the information about cell phones was incorrect. There's a real danger of explosion when using a cell phone at a gas station, they said.

As evidence, some callers said gas stations post signs instructing people to shut off their cell phones. Some said cell phone manuals recommend turning off their units while refueling, and still others claim to have read about the risk in other publications or heard about it on TV.

If the gas station or cell phone manufacturer wants you to shut off your phone when refueling, by all means do so.

However, I can find no credible source that says there is a risk or explains why.

The Petroleum Institute of America and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Associations (CTIA) stick by their claim that there is little if any danger of a cell phone causing an explosion at a gas pump. They put the issue firmly into the myth category.

But the CTIA also suggests following instructions:

"The potential for causing an explosion by the use of a wireless phone at a gas station is widely considered to be an Urban Legend. This however, has not deterred media coverage or wide circulation on the Internet. In fact, the Internet appears to have been the source for most of the supposed incidents. . . . Independent investigative reports indicate wireless phones at gas stations have not been scientifically or technically proven as potential danger at gas stations. Wireless phone users should always consult their owner's manual for information on the use of the phone and should follow all posted instructions at gas stations."

-- Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-9033, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com.Past columns are available at http://www.startribune.com/fixit.Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears every day except Friday.