How to Stop Itching Your Skin If You Have Eczema - Article Health

"Don’t scratch" is probably one of the best—and worst—pieces of advice an eczema patient can receive. The skin condition, which is caused by an abnormal immune reaction that results in dry, red, cracked patches of skin, is only made worse by itching. Your nails damage the skin barrier, which then ramps up inflammatory molecules that exacerbate the itch, explains Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. What’s more, chronic scratching may make you more susceptible to infections, since it's easier for bacteria to invade the cracked skin.

But here’s the rub: itching an eczema rash feels good. "Scratching induces a short term pain response that suppresses the itch," says Dr. Silberberg. "Patients feel the short-term gain, but don’t realize how it actually harms skin." Your best way to dampen down the itch is to see your doctor for treatments, prescription or over-the-counter, that address the underlying problem that causes the itch. Although it may not be possible to stop itching once and for all, here are eight strategies that may help you keep your hands off.

Go cold
Jeffrey S. Fromowitz, MD, a dermatologist in Boca Raton, Florida recommends holding an ice cube or cool compress on the itchy area. "The cold stimulus interrupts the body’s feeling of itchiness and can help break the itch-scratch cycle," he says.

Know your triggers
While an underlying genetic issue is the likely culprit in causing atopic dermatitis, certain things in the environment can make symptoms worse. Not everyone has the same eczema triggers, but a few common ones include heat or cold, certain fabrics like wool, allergens like dust or pet dander, and scented skincare products or detergents.

Take a deep breath
Stress and anxiety are eczema triggers for many people. "Higher levels of inflammatory chemicals such as the stress hormone cortisol worsen inflammation, which makes eczema more severe," explains Dr. Fromowitz.

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