How To Soothe Itchy Skin From Eczema

First How Can I Keep My Skin From Getting Dry

Dry air can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. In your home, use a humidifier to put moisture in the air during the winter and in dry weather.

Some soaps can cause your skin to feel itchy. It’s good to use a soap that is unscented and hypoallergenic. This kind of soap does not contain dyes or perfumes that can irritate your skin. In addition, you can use a mild, unscented, hypoallergenic laundry detergent, avoid fabric softeners, and try using an extra rinse cycle to keep your clothes and bed sheets from making your skin itch.

Choose clothing made of soft fabrics like cotton or silk. Avoid wearing clothing made of rough wool, which can irritate your skin and make it itch.

Home Remedies: Relieve And Reduce Itchy Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It’s common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting and tends to flare periodically and then subside. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, it helps to avoid harsh soaps and other irritants, apply medicated creams or ointments, and moisturize your skin.

To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care measures:

How Is Eczema Diagnosed

There is no specific test used to diagnose eczema. A doctor will look at the rash and ask about your symptoms and past health, as well as your family’s health. If you or your family members have any atopic conditions, that’s an important clue.

The doctor will want to rule out other conditions that can cause skin inflammation. The doctor might recommend that you see a dermatologist or an allergist.

Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Eczema Outbreaks

Severe Eczema Is No Match For This Mothers Love

Many of my patients over the years will prefer to avoid steroid treatment for eczema, because of the side effects, she says, and experiment with complementary and alternative treatments. The hope is that natural and home remedies will work in tandem with dermatologist-prescribed treatment to keep symptoms under control.

These remedies may not quite do the trick but are reasonable to try, Goldstein notes.

Here are some of the remedies for atopic dermatitis recommended by dermatologists:

Try To Reduce The Damage From Scratching

Eczema is often itchy, and it can be very tempting to scratch the affected areas of skin.

But scratching usually damages the skin, which can itself cause more eczema to occur.

The skin eventually thickens into leathery areas as a result of chronic scratching.

Deep scratching also causes bleeding and increases the risk of your skin becoming infected or scarred.

Try to reduce scratching whenever possible. You could try gently rubbing your skin with your fingers instead.

If your baby has atopic eczema, anti-scratch mittens may stop them scratching their skin.

Keep your nails short and clean to minimise damage to the skin from unintentional scratching.

Keep your skin covered with light clothing to reduce damage from habitual scratching.

Also Check: Red Light Therapy For Eczema

Turn Down The Shower Temperature

Hot water might feel good in the moment, but it can ultimately worsen eczema by releasing itch-inducing compounds, says Dr. Fromowitz.Instead, use lukewarm water, which is less likely to exacerbate sensitive skin. And while youre in there, stick to a mild, unscented soap .After you towel off, apply a liberal amount of moisturizer to hydrate and repair the skin’s barrier.

Ultraviolet Radiation Therapy For Eczema

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can help reduce the symptoms of chronic eczema. Exposure under medical supervision can be carefully monitored with the use of specially designed cabinets the person stands naked in the cabinet and fluorescent tubes emit ultraviolet radiation.A person with stubborn eczema may need up to 30 sessions. The risks of unsupervised ultraviolet radiation therapy can be the same as for sunbathing faster ageing of the skin and greater risk of skin cancer.

Don’t Miss: What Does An Eczema Rash Look Like

How Can I Treat Eczema

Treatment varies depending on the type of eczema and how severe the flare-up is.

For classic atopic eczema, I generally recommend a combination of lifestyle changes , and sometimes prescription medications, which can include topical creamsthere are cortisone and non-cortisone optionspills and even injectables, says Purdy. Anderson says oral antihistamines may also help to relieve itch.

For cases of contact eczema, avoiding the allergen is essential to clear up the irritation and to limit future reactions.

Anderson explains that preventative measures go a long way in limiting breakouts. She also recommends visiting The Eczema Society of Canada for further advice and recommendations. Above all, she says, dont lose hope.

When To See A Doctor

If home remedies are not working to maintain your eczema flares, and you notice your skin is weeping, it may be time to see a doctor.

Weeping could be an indicator that you have contracted a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, which can spread quickly, so seek medical attention right away.

Your doctor will examine the affected skin, and they may swab the affected area to determine what type of infection you have.

From there, your doctor can prescribe you the necessary medicine.

Recommended Reading: Best Baby Probiotic For Eczema

How To Cope With Eczema

Eczema can be a frustrating condition to live with, as there is no cure.

If you are struggling with eczema, monitor your flare-ups to better understand what is causing them.

Be prepared with the necessary natural remedies you can use to treat your eczema, moisturize your dry skin consistently, and consider making lifestyle and diet changes to improve your skin and overall health.

Should You See A Doctor If You Suspect You Have Eczema

If the eczema is mild and doesnt compromise your ability to function and enjoy life, you dont necessarily need to see an MD, says Anderson.

But if the itching is keeping you up at night, if you have blisters or if the affected skin shows any signs of infection, see a doctor as soon as you can.

A family doctor will often be able to treat mild eczema. For more severe casesor if the condition isnt responding to treatmentPurdy advises getting a referral to a board-certified dermatologist.

You May Like: Best Natural Oils For Baby Eczema

General Tips For Coping With Eczema

Other tips to manage your eczema include:

• Keep your fingernails short longer nails are more likely to injure your skin when you scratch.
• If the water in your area is hard or alkaline, consider installing a water-softening device.
• Swim in the sea in warm weather whenever you can seawater is known to reduce the symptoms of eczema.
• Use sun exposure for limited periods for example, when swimming at the beach. This can help relieve eczema symptoms. But be aware that ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor for skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin. Also, if sun exposure causes overheating, this can also aggravate eczema.

Home Remedies For Managing The Itch Of Atopic Dermatitis

Try these alternative therapies as a complement to your treatment plan for eczema.

Tatjana Zlatkovic/Stocksy

For many people dry, itchy skin is the main and most troublesome symptom of atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema. But scratching can irritate skin and make the condition worse.

Following your treatment plan is the best way to manage atopic dermatitis symptoms, but if youre still struggling to find itch relief, a solution may literally be close to home.

Eczema can be difficult to treat, as the skin barrier is altered and needs to be repaired and protected from further damage, explains Beth Goldstein, MD, who practices at Central Dermatology Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

A complementary home remedy can often assist with this process and result in less itchy, dry, flaky skin, according to Dr. Goldstein.

Editor’s Picks

Don’t Miss: How To Treat Contact Eczema

What Is Eczema And Where Does It Commonly Occur

For starters, theres more than one type of eczema.

Atopic eczema refers to inflammation of the skin when the immune system reacts to an allergen and results in patches of itchy, red and flaky skin. In more extreme cases, skin can appear swollen and blistered.

Infantile eczema refers to atopic eczema in children, which often occurs within the first few months of a babys life. Another common type is contact eczema, which happens when skin reacts to contact with an irritating substance and tends to be localized, but can sometimes spread elsewhere on the body over time, according to Anderson. Common contact eczema triggers include harsh soaps, nickel and tea tree oil.

While eczema can arise anywhere on the face and body, Anderson explains that the location of eczema patches can vary. Infantile eczema tends to occur on the outer areas of the limbs and body, while older children and adolescents often experience eczema in the folds of the arms and legs, she explains. Adult eczema can appear virtually anywhere, but its most often found in the folds of the neck and elbows, behind the knees, as well as on the inner wrists, hands and face.

Prevent Skin Damage Caused By Scratching

Constant scratching can break the skin. To prevent bleeding and an infection, dermatologists recommend the following:

Eczema mittens can be effective when eczema flares on your baby’s face. Your baby may still scratch, but the scratching will cause less damage because the fingernails cannot dig into the skin.

Itch relief can be fickle

You may find that a technique works one day and not the next. If one technique fails, try another.

Related AAD resources

ReferencesEichenfield, LF, Tom WL, et al. Part 2: Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Jul 71:116-32.

Sidbury R, Tom WL, et al. Part 4: Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Part 4: Prevention of disease flares and use of adjunctive therapies and approaches. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014: 71 1218-33.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

You May Like: Best Body Wash For Toddler Eczema

What Does Eczema Look Like

Itching and rash is a common sign of skin rash. So sometimes, it becomes challenging to identify eczema because of the common symptoms. So let us note the specific characteristics of dermatitis or eczema.

• Eczema starts with intense itching.
• Red bumps are appearing in different sizes.
• Individuals who have nummular eczema develop coin shape round spots on the affected area with itching.
• Sometimes eczema can develop in round or oval shape and clusters of tiny pimples or patches with a thin scale.

Where Does Facial Eczema Usually Show Up

While eczema can occur anywhere, it is common to experience flare-ups on the scalp, the forehead, the eyelids and skin around the eyes , and behind the ears. Babies in particular can suffer from eczema on the cheeks. There is also a particular type named Hand Eczema which may lead to red, itchy and/or dry irritated hands with cracks or blisters.

You May Like: Can Eczema Make You Sick

When Should I See My Doctor Because Of Itchy Skin

Dry, irritated skin is more likely to get infected. Infected skin is red, warm, and swollen, and it may ooze fluid. You may need antibiotics to get rid of this kind of infection.

Severe itching, especially in older adults, sometimes is caused by a serious medical problem. Call your doctor if you are an older person with severe itching that doesn’t get better within two weeks and that does not have an obvious cause.

If you have a bad case of poison ivy or a sudden itchy rash, your doctor may be able to prescribe a medicine to help you.

What Are Common Triggers

Atopic eczema is aggravated by different factors depending on the individual, but common triggers include cold, dry weather, stress, hot water and harsh soaps, says Anderson. In the winter, cold outdoor temperatures and indoor heating make for an irritating combination. Most people with eczema get better in the summer as the temperature and humidity levels tend to be higher, leaving the skin more moist, says Anderson.

As for contact eczema, Anderson says skin will flare up whenever its touched by an irritating substance, regardless of the season.

Don’t Miss: What Works Best For Eczema

Why Does Eczema Cause Itchiness

For most people, itchiness is the worst and most uncomfortable symptom of eczema and can often be the most difficult to treat. Itchiness may also lead to sleep problems for both the person with eczema and their family.

Skin affected by eczema releases certain chemical mediators messengers that stimulate the nerves. Additionally, the nerve fibres in people who have atopic eczema appear to be altered, with an increase in sensory fibres. This can cause even the lightest touch to produce a sensation of itch. These nerves then pass on the sensation of itch to the brain, and before you know it, you are scratching. This is called a neurogenic itch, due to nerve pathways being activated.

However, itchiness is not completely straightforward as there is another type of itch, called a psychogenic itch. This means that the itch is also stimulated by psychological factors these may be conscious or unconscious urges to scratch, brought about via habit or in response to stress.

Try not to say Dont scratch to children and adults who are scratching. This can create resentment and distress, and increase feelings of stress.

Eczema Coping Tips Reducing Skin Irritation

People with eczema have sensitive skin. Irritants such as heat or detergents can easily trigger a bout of eczema.Suggestions for reducing skin irritation include:

• Avoid overheating your skin. Wear several layers of clothing that you can remove, as required, instead of one heavy layer. Dont put too many blankets on your bed and avoid doonas.
• Dont use perfumed bubble bath or bath products labelled medicated.
• Wear soft, smooth materials next to your skin, preferably 100% cotton. Avoid scratchy materials, such as pure wool, polyester or acrylic. You could try a cotton and synthetic mix material this is fine for some people with eczema. Remove labels from clothing.
• Always wear protective gloves when using any type of chemical or detergent. You may want to wear cotton gloves inside rubber or PVC gloves.
• Avoid chlorinated pools. If you have to swim in a chlorinated pool, moisturise your skin well when you get out.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Eczema On Upper Lip

How To Stop Itching Your Skin If You Have Eczema

Nothing is more frustrating than trying not to scratch your itchy skin, particularly if you have eczema. Try these expert-approved strategies to break the itch-scratch cycle.

“Dont scratch” is probably one of the bestand worstpieces 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. Whats more, chronic scratching may make you more susceptible to infections, since it’s easier for bacteria to invade the cracked skin.

But heres 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 dont 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.

How To Treat Eczema At Home

For many patients with eczema, the dry, itchy rash can pose an ongoing battle.

Arming yourself with a variety of at-home remedies can help you alleviate symptoms and learn which options help control your flare-ups.

Manage your symptoms with these home remedies in conjunction with topical steroids or other methods recommended by your doctor.

Read Also: Best Way To Cure Eczema On Hands

Stop The Itch How To Treat Eczema Naturally

Eczema can be a challenging skin condition that is not only uncomfortable but can also be a window into the bodys elimination process. Did you know that the skin is a primary elimination system of the body and is sometimes called the third kidney?

Eczema usually indicates that there is a toxic backup that the kidneys and lymph system are unable to handle. Making dietary changes to reduce the toxic load and addressing the underlying causes is always foundational. But, thankfully, there are many other steps you can take to reduce the chemical load on your body to reduce and eliminate eczema.

Regular Manicure In Eczema

Some eczema patients wear gloves to stop themselves from scratching. However, this can have a reverse effect as the gloves can make the hands sweaty and can further make the skin feel itchier. Patients who cannot stop scratching must at least cut their nails regularly and keep them as smooth and short as possible.

Nothing can be more frustrating than trying to not scratch the itchy skin in eczema. But it is best to keep the hands off the eczema rash for speedier recovery.

Also Read:

Read Also: Is Oatmeal Soap Good For Eczema