IL-31 receptor blockade is a promising treatment strategy for chronic itch diseases. However, in vivo contributions of IL-31 receptor expressed by different cell types and the downstream JAK-STAT signaling pathway to the itch induction remain undetermined. Here we show that IL-31 receptor in sensory neurons but not in keratinocytes is required for the itch induction by IL-31. Surprisingly, unlike the previous report, our study indicated that the acute itch induction by an IL-31 injection as well as the chronic itch induction in the atopic dermatitis model was completely dependent on STAT3 in sensory neurons. In addition, we found that STAT3 in sensory neurons plays a suppressive role in inflammatory skin swelling. Thus, our study suggests the importance of STAT3-dependent gene expression in sensory neurons for the itch induction and regulation of inflammation.