The itching associated with eczema can be challenging to get under control. Scratching breaks down the outer layer of skin, allowing allergens and bacteria to enter, leading to inflammation and itching.

You can reduce the itching with home remedies and medications. Acupuncture and acupressure can help, as can antihistamines that cause drowsiness. Your doctor may prescribe creams, pills, or shots of a powerful topical medication called a corticosteroid.

Cool Your Skin

In addition to its annoying nature, pruritus (itch) can be caused by several different things. Neurogenic itch is created when the brain and spinal cord interpret messages sent by nerve pathways. Psychogenic itch is stimulated by external factors such as urges to scratch, habit, or stress response.

Using an eczema cream or ointment can help reduce itching. Look for one that includes ingredients like ceramides, which restore the skin barrier and moisturize the skin. Avoid irritants that can trigger itching, such as scented soaps, bubble baths, or laundry detergents.

Keep fingernails trimmed short to prevent damage to the skin, and try wearing cotton gloves while sleeping to thwart itching. Limiting exposure to allergens can also ease itching, such as by avoiding pollen and other environmental irritants.

Apply a Wet Dressing

Applying a wet dressing helps soothe itchy skin and prevents the scratch-itch cycle. It is best done after bathing, moisturizing, and applying your eczema medication. You can use cotton wrap dressing or gauze to cover the affected area before wearing loose cotton pajamas or sweatsuits.

Itching is related to a breakdown in the skin barrier, which leads to dry skin that’s more sensitive to irritants. It also leads to water disappearing through the skin, a process called transepidermal water loss, which can lead to itching. Antihistamines can help reduce itch, but they don’t stop the itch-scratch cycle completely. Avoid avoiding foods because they worsen your eczema – this can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Take a Bleach Bath

A popular eczema treatment  Memphis is called a “bleach bath,” simply filling your bathtub with a small amount of regular household bleach. Bleach contains antimicrobial qualities that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi, reducing eczema-related infection and inflammation.

Medical professionals believe that a bleach bath helps improve atopic dermatitis symptoms because it reduces the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, which can inflame and damage skin. When the bacteria infect open wounds from scratching and itchy skin, they can cause infections and worsen the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

If you want to try a bleach bath, follow your physician’s recommendations regarding the exact ratio of bleach to water and the length of time to soak in the tub. When finished, rinse your skin clear with lukewarm, fresh water and immediately apply any prescribed medications and emollients.

Try a Massage

A scratching cycle can damage the skin barrier and cause infection and flare-ups. A massage can help break this cycle. When you visit a massage therapist, be open about your eczema and show them your hot spots. If they use scented oils or perfumes, ask them to switch to an unscented or lightly scented oil.

A few small studies have also shown acupressure and acupuncture to relieve itching. To find an acupressure point, locate the crook of your elbow, bend your arm, and press firmly on that spot for 3 minutes. Repeat daily. The results can be immediate. These treatments can also be used on the feet and hands. They are especially helpful in reducing stress, which can trigger itching.

Try a Mirror Trick

People with eczema often feel the itch as pricking, throbbing, burning, biting, or like something crawling on the skin. They also experience a feeling of dryness, irritation, and pain from scratching. Scratching can also lead to scarring of the skin.

If you suffer from a skin condition, a dermatologist may suggest a treatment known as wet dressings. It involves applying a corticosteroid cream to the affected area and then covering it with damp gauze or cloth. The damp layer is then covered with a dry layer of gauze or cloth to seal the moisture. This method can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. It is usually done in a hospital for patients with widespread rashes but can be done at home.

Another way to stop the itching is by rubbing ice on the affected area. The nerve cells that transmit the itching sensation also transmit temperature and pain, so when you rub ice on your itchy skin, the cold signal overrides the itching signal.