What to do when itchiness caused by Eczema?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Tran Van Sang - Dermatologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

When you have Eczema, you often feel itchy and want to scratch to relieve the itching. However, scratching does not help reduce the itch, but also makes you itch more, and also scratches the skin, bleeding and possibly skin infection.

Eczema is also known as eczema. The disease begins when the body is exposed to pathogens, the immune system will promote the process of responding to the effects of that agent. Atopic eczema is an itchy skin rash. The main symptoms of atopic eczema are rash and itching.
Itching caused by eczema can make you feel extremely uncomfortable, uncontrollable and constantly scratching to relieve the itching sensation. Scratching will not help with itching, but can also cause skin abrasions, bleeding, and skin infections. So what should we do when itchiness caused by eczema?

Many people scratch so much that it bleeds and this is an opportunity for an infection to develop. When you can't sit still to get over the itching sensation caused by eczema, try these ways to safely and effectively soothe your skin.
2.1. Cold compress helps relieve itching caused by eczema Cold compress cools the skin: Wet a towel or gauze with cold water, then apply it to the itchy areas. For more intense itch relief, get an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables like peas or corn kernels, or simply put an ice cube or two in a small plastic bag (to hold water as the ice melts). Apply to itchy skin. After about 10 minutes of applying, the cold will numb the area and reduce the itching sensation.

2.2. Scratching in the mirror helps relieve the itching caused by eczema Try scratching in the mirror when you only have itching on one side of your body. It sounds like a magic trick, but this is more than just an optical illusion.
You are having an itch in your left arm. You look in the mirror and focus on the left arm in the mirror, it is in fact your right arm. Scratch there as you watch, and your brain will get the message that your eczema itch on the left hand has been taken care of.
2.3. Acupressure can relieve itching caused by eczema Northwestern University research shows that pressing a certain place on your arm (reflexology) can help relieve itching caused by eczema anywhere on the body. body.
To locate the acupoint, bend your left arm, place your right hand on the outside of your left elbow and your thumb on the upper part of the forearm muscle. Massage vigorously with the tip of your thumb for 3 minutes while breathing deeply.
2.4. Eczema Relief Moisturizing Cream Moisturizers can help relieve eczema itching . However, skip the thin lotion and choose an eczema cream or ointment. When shopping, look for "skin protection" and "skin-restoring" information on the label. Some creams contain ceramides that work well for eczema.
If the budget is not suitable to buy famous and expensive brand products, you can buy basic moisturizers, these products are still very effective.

2.5. Cooking oil can also help relieve itching caused by eczema One study found that sunflower seed oil was more emollient than a popular and much cheaper cream. Coconut oil is also nourishing and helps reduce inflammation. Choose oils that have been treated without losing their natural healing properties. However, olive oil is not suitable for relieving itchy skin caused by eczema.
2.6. Hydrocortisone topical for itchiness for eczema Topical hydrocortisone medication can help keep the itching from getting too severe, but don't overdo it. Because like all steroids, hydrocortisone can have side effects. You should only apply it as directed on the manufacturer's instructions or your doctor's prescription.

2.7. Other topical eczema medications Menthol have a cooling effect that helps relieve itching, but products with concentrations higher than 1%-3% can cause irritation. Gels, lotions, or sprays with 5% lidocaine or 1% pramoxine can numb the area, helping to relieve itching.
Or you could try replacing the itch with the burning sensation of capsaicin. Start with 0.025% concentration. For large areas of itching apply lidocaine, wait 20 minutes, then apply a layer of capsaicin.
Pro tip when using topical eczema medications is to keep them refrigerated. When you apply it, the medicine will promote both the effects of the medicine and the cooling sensation caused by the low temperature of the medicine.
2.8. Soak in warm water and apply lotion to help relieve itching caused by eczema If you have a bathtub, first soak in warm water for 15 minutes to rehydrate. You can add ground oatmeal to the water to increase its ability to soothe the skin. Then pat the skin dry with a towel, then immediately apply a thick moisturizer or cortisone cream, and then apply moisturizer. This is a great way to moisturize the skin and help relieve itching.
2.9. Wet compresses on eczema itchy areas For severe eczema or flare-ups that cause intense itching, take it one step further after bathing. Place a layer of gauze or damp cloth over the itchy area. Cover it with a layer of dry gauze, use cotton gloves and socks, and are great for itchy hands and feet caused by eczema.
Keep these layers on for a few hours or overnight to help skin retain moisture, absorb creams, and stay cool. Ask your doctor how and when to do this.
2.10. Antihistamines relieve itching caused by eczema Doctors often prescribe antihistamines, as their side effect can make you drowsy, so you're less likely to scratch. But don't use it during the day, especially if you're driving and antihistamines aren't safe for children.
2.11. Melatonin can help with eczema itch Another thing you can do when the itch bothers you at night is to supplement with the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone your body makes to trigger sleep. Keep your fingernails short to protect your skin or wear cotton gloves to prevent the possibility of scratching while sleeping.

2.12. Relaxation can help with eczema itch Meditation can help combat stress, a trigger of eczema itch. Meditate by focusing on a word or sound as you practice deep breathing.
Relaxing muscles is also very simple and effective, you focus on relaxing one muscle group after another, starting at the bottom of the legs and moving up to the neck, until all muscle groups in the body are used. completely relax.
2.13. Keep your hands busy to get over the itch of eczema Scratching can become a habit, like nail biting in some people. You can even do it when your skin is not itchy. To break that habit, keep your hands busy.
Distract yourself with video games or crafts, or do your own nails. Or simply clench your fist until the urge to scratch goes away.
In case you have applied the above methods but the eczema itch does not subside, visit your doctor for advice on intensive treatment.
Vinmec International General Hospital provides a package of examination and consultation for treatment of atopic dermatitis. When registering for this package, customers will be examined by Dermatology specialist with tests such as: Quantitative IgE, fresh mycobacteria, IgE quantification specific to respiratory and food allergens (Panel 1 Vietnamese), test Rida Allergy Screen (panel 1)...
The medical examination and examination process is performed by a team of experienced specialists. The hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment, helping patients to be examined and treated with optimal results.

Reference source: webmd.com - healthline.com