How Do You Stop Itching from Eczema?

If you’re searching for “How do I stop scratching my eczema?” our Westlake Village-based Pierre Skin Care Institute team has some tips to help you soothe your skin.

First, it’s important to know that flare-ups of eczema (atopic dermatitis) often cause redness and soreness in addition to the itching associated with this chronic skin condition. Inflammation also causes increased blood flow to the skin, which makes the itching worse. While specific symptoms vary from person to person, anyone who has this condition will have some degree of itching.

Even though it can be difficult to refrain from scratching your skin, dermatologists warn patients against doing so because skin that is scratched will usually become thickened, red, and painful. Furthermore, scratching increases the risk of opening wounds, infections, and scarring.

Chemical mediators that affect the nerve endings in the skin and sweating or perspiration are other factors that contribute to the itching.

See below for some of the most effective ways to relieve itching for anyone searching for ways to better cope with the condition.

Have a Bleach Bath

Bacterial infections can make eczema itching worse. Taking a bath in a small amount of diluted bleach will help to decrease the bacteria on your skin and lower the risk of infections. Add a quarter of a cup of bleach to a bathtub filled with 40 gallons of warm water, then soak your skin from the neck down for 10 minutes. Avoid having bleach baths too often. You should soak in them no more than three times per week. 

Apply an Anti-Itch Cream 

Applying a non-prescription hydrocortisone cream is one of the most effective ways of relieving itching as soon as you start to feel your skin start to show signs of the sensation. Products that contain menthol and lidocaine in certain concentrations can also help to soothe the itch. 

Prevent the Itching 

Take steps that you know will help prevent itching, such as avoiding dyes and fragrances in skin products, moisturizing regularly, avoiding extreme temperatures and environments, wearing loose clothes, and bathing in lukewarm water. 

If you want more advice when it comes to managing the symptoms of eczema, contact our Westlake Village Pierre Skin Care Institute team for more information. Call us at 805-496-9190 or fill out a contact form to schedule a consultation and meet with our team to discuss eczema treatments.