Scratching when you have eczema is one the worst things you can do when suffering from the disease. Eczema caused by abnormal immune reactions usually cause dry, red patches of skin that appear cracked and inflamed. Itching makes it worse and even causes it to spread. Moreover, nails can even infect the condition as chronic scratching allows bacteria to invade cracked skin. But, you don’t really need a doctor to tell you that itching is bad for eczema. The problem is how to control and stop the itching without having to dose up on medication all the time. Here are 7 ways to stop itching in eczema.
According to Jeffrey S. Fromowitz, MD, a dermatologist in Boca Raton, Florida, if you place an ice cube or a cold compress against the itchy area, it will break the itch-scratch cycle. The cold temperature interrupts the itching feeling which then stops.
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Practicing a psychological method of “habit reversal” can control the itching. According to studies on itch management for atopic dermatitis held in 2011, scratching becomes a conditioned and automated response which you may not even be aware of. Habit reversal helps you recognize the habit and be aware of the number of times you scratch. It then suggests you do something else when itching starts to divert your attention from the condition. Watch TV or keep your hands busy with something such as a stress relief ball, coloring books for adults, a fidget spinner or even clenching your fists.
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Although genetic issues are regarded as the common culprit that causes atopic dermatitis, environmental factors are not rules out. Although eczema triggers vary from patient to patient, the common ones are heat or cold, fabrics like wool, allergens such as dust and pet dander and scented skin care products. Detergents also irritate the condition which is why when washing clothes you need to be careful and select a good detergent which is one way to prevent itching in eczema. Clothes should be rinsed thoroughly.
Recognizing the triggers of your eczema so that they can be avoided and preempting them will help in timely treatment.
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One of the biggest triggers of eczema is stress and anxiety where high levels of the stress hormone cortisol worsen the inflammation and eczema. Certain situations can leave you frenzied, frustrated and highly aggravated. But recognizing such conditions is the key in controlling them. Time tested methods for stress and anxiety are exercise, yoga and meditation.
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Hot water can worsen your eczema by releasing itch inducing compounds. Lukewarm water is recommended for sensitive skin. Use a mild unscented soap as scented products can irritate your skin. Apply a good amount of moisturizer after you dry yourself off. This hydrates and restores your skin’s protective barrier.
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Moisturizing before bed can soothe your skin. But although it may not stop the itching totally, never allow yourself to get frustrated about it as this can increase the itching and prevent you from sleeping. Practice the methods above or practice meditation before retiring so that your body is relaxed.
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If you continue struggling with your intense itching, then light therapy or phototherapy is a good remedy. Light therapy uses UV light to penetrate the outer layers of the skin to temper down inflammatory cells and itching. Although it is a safe remedy among the ways to stop itching in eczema, it is a bit time consuming says Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, Ph.D., Vice Chair, and Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.
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"Patients have to go two to three times per week for several months, and you start to see results after four weeks."
Dr. Guttman –Yassky recommends phototherapy in combination with moisturizers and topical steroids to clear up the condition and then reduce the itch.