Occasionally itchy? Take pulse, perhaps (5)

I believe the answer is:

throb

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'pulse perhaps' is the definition.
'throb' can be an answer for 'pulse' (synonyms). I'm not certain of the 'perhaps' bit.

'occasionally itchy? take' is the wordplay.
'occasionally' means one should take alternating letters (letters taken at regular intervals or occasions).
'take' becomes 'rob' (I've seen this in another clue).
The alternate letters of 'itchy' are 'th'.
'th'+'rob'='THROB'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for throb that I've seen before include "Vibrate with rhythm like heart" , "Beat rhythmically" , "Pulsate strongly" , "Pulsate; regular beat" , "Palpitate, quiver (with emotion)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.