Ways to stop eczema itching include using hydrocortisone cream, moisturizers, a cold compress, and more.
Eczema can cause bouts of unbearable itching, making it difficult to concentrate on anything else. It may feel good to scratch the itch, but giving in to the urge can cause a vicious itch-scratch cycle and even lead to infection.
If you’re dealing with regular eczema flare-ups, you might be wondering how to stop eczema itching and break the itch-scratch cycle.
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The Problem With Scratching Eczema
Satisfying the itch with a scratch might feel good in the moment, but it can cause more harm than good. Here’s why you should avoid scratching and find alternatives for relief.
May Prolong Itching
With eczema, scratching your itchy skin can lead to what experts call the “itch-scratch cycle.” Itching worsens the rash, prompting you to continue scratching—and on and on the cycle goes. That’s because eczema-prone skin sends out chemical messengers that trigger your nerves and produce an itch sensation.
There’s also evidence that people with eczema have more sensitive skin, which can turn up the dial on itchy sensations and turn even non-itch-producing triggers (like a light touch) into an itchy feeling.
Itch TriggersWhile eczema-related itches can spring up for no reason, some things cantriggerthe urge to scratch, including:Nighttime: You’re more likely to scratch at night. One theory is that water loss through the skin is higher at night, which makes your skin dryer and more vulnerable to irritation.Sweat: Getting sweaty can worsen eczema and trigger itchiness. Some experts theorize that this may be due to an allergic response to something in sweat.Environmental triggers: Things in your environment, such as pollutants, dust mites, pollen, and temperature changes are possible eczema itch triggers.
Itch Triggers
While eczema-related itches can spring up for no reason, some things cantriggerthe urge to scratch, including:Nighttime: You’re more likely to scratch at night. One theory is that water loss through the skin is higher at night, which makes your skin dryer and more vulnerable to irritation.Sweat: Getting sweaty can worsen eczema and trigger itchiness. Some experts theorize that this may be due to an allergic response to something in sweat.Environmental triggers: Things in your environment, such as pollutants, dust mites, pollen, and temperature changes are possible eczema itch triggers.
While eczema-related itches can spring up for no reason, some things cantriggerthe urge to scratch, including:
May Lead to Infection
The more you scratch eczema-prone skin, the more likely you are to break open the skin and introduce bacteria into the wound. This can lead to infection.
Signs ofinfectioninclude:
Treatments
Scratching itchy skin can worsen aneczema flare, but it’s hard to resist the urge to itch forever. That’s why finding a relief method that works for you is important.
Hydrocortisone cream:Temporarily using an over-the-counter (OTC)hydrocortisone creamcan reduce itching.Be sure to follow all instructions on the product as to where and how often it can be used, and only use it on a person of the appropriate age. Talk to a healthcare provider about any possible interactions and their recommendations.
Moisturizer:A moisturizer can be applied over the hydrocortisone cream or used on its own to reduce itching. Choose moisturizers that are free of fragrances and dyes.
Wet wraps:For additional itch relief, a wet wrap can be applied after bathing and moisturizing. Place a damp layer of gauze or sterilized cloth over the affected area. Wrap a dry layer (such as cloth or food-grade plastic wrap) over the wet wrap. Leave it on for several hours or overnight. Be sure to get approval from your healthcare provider before using this therapy.
Topical anesthetics:Products containing pramoxine, such as Tronolane or Caladryl, are topical anesthetics that may also help relieve itching. Those with menthol or calamine can cool the skin and relieve itching.
Prescriptions:A healthcare provider may recommend a prescription for amore potent steroid creamto reduce itching. Topical prescription medications for eczema include:
Mirror itching:If you have itching on one side of your body, this technique involves scratching the non-itching limb while looking in the mirror. It creates the illusion that the itching limb is being scratched.
Acupressure:A small pilot study found a specific type of acupressure was effective in relieving eczema. The technique involves bending your left arm and placing your right hand around the outside of your elbow. With your thumb, find the top of the forearm muscle and massage firmly for three minutes while breathing deeply.Given this was a pilot study, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this technique.
Apple cider vinegar:Because apple cider vinegar is a mild acid, it is possible that applying it topically may help restore the skin’s natural pH level. However, there is little scientific evidence. Before trying it, talk with your healthcare provider first. If approved, there are two ways it can be used:
Bleach bath:Taking a mild bleach bath may help stop skin infections and help prevent severe eczema flares.Talk with your healthcare provider before trying a bleach bath. If your healthcare provider approves bleach baths, follow these steps:
Overnight Remedies for Eczema
It can be especially difficult to find relief from nighttime eczema itching. There’s less to distract you from the itch when you’re lying in bed. Bedtime itchiness may lead to insomnia, which in turn, may increase stress levels and further aggravate eczema symptoms.
HumidifiersDry air during the winter or throughout the year in very dry climates may cause dry, cracked, itchy skin. Try using a humidifier while sleeping (or during the day if you spend a lot of time at home) to replenish your skin’s moisture. You may need to experiment to find the right humidity level because some types of eczema can flare up with excess humidity.
Allergy medications:Antihistamines won’t stop itching because histamines don’t cause eczema-related itching, but they can cause drowsiness, so you might findOTC allergy medicationshelp you fall asleep. Do not take them during the day, especially if you’re driving.
Cotton gloves:Covering your hands with cotton gloves to prevent yourself from scratching and breaking the skin while asleep may help in extreme cases of itchiness.
Prescriptions:If your eczema-related itching keeps you up at night and nothing seems to help, consider talking to a healthcare provider about prescription treatments that may relieve nighttime itching.
How to Stop Day-to-Day Itching
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to eczema itching.
Some laboratory and human studies have shown coconut oil improves skin hydration.Reducing skin dryness may in turn reduce itching. Look for virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil because chemicals are not added when the oil is extracted.
The National Eczema Association recommends daily bathing and moisturizing to help prevent painful itching flare-ups. They also recommend talking to a healthcare provider aboutprescription medicationthat may help your condition.
Other ways to prevent itching include the following:
Identifying Eczema TriggersKeeping a diary of your eczema flare-ups may help you to identify the things that make itching worse. A medical professional such as a dermatologist can also help you narrow down your triggers.
Identifying Eczema Triggers
Keeping a diary of your eczema flare-ups may help you to identify the things that make itching worse. A medical professional such as a dermatologist can also help you narrow down your triggers.
How to Stop Itching in Babies and Young Children
How to Stop Eczema Itching Immediately
Strategies like regular moisturizing and avoiding triggers can help prevent itch flares, but they’re not necessarily beneficial when you want to stop the itch right away.
Ways to stop the itch quickly include:
Still not finding relief? Talk to a healthcare provider about fast-acting prescription itch relief options that might work for you.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderConsider talking to a healthcare provider about your symptoms if they’re disrupting sleep or interfering with daily life. They can recommend a treatment plan to help relieve the itch and even help you pinpoint triggers that might worsen your skin condition.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Consider talking to a healthcare provider about your symptoms if they’re disrupting sleep or interfering with daily life. They can recommend a treatment plan to help relieve the itch and even help you pinpoint triggers that might worsen your skin condition.
Summary
Eczema-related itching can sometimes be so bad it interrupts your sleep and makes it hard to concentrate during the day. Prevention is an important step for controlling eczema itching. Moisturizing, taking prescription medications, and performing other daily routines to soothe the skin can help minimize itching over time.
16 Sources
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