You need to stop scratching those itchy red patches of skin. Eczema is considered an inflammatory skin disorder which is also called atopic dermatitis, often stimulate your skin very itchily, so you will obviously tempt to scratch that itch. Too much of scratching on the itch may cause you more infections. It will be difficult for you to stop scratching, once you are habituated to it. Following are certain ways to deal with your eczema itch:
Taking Control of your triggers
Prevention is the first step in order to deal with the symptoms of eczema, which includes itchiness. Following are the common irritants that can make your eczema and the itch. These include
- Soaps
- Household cleaners
- Fabrics like polyester and wool
- Smoke
- Antibacterial ointments
- Chemicals such as formaldehyde, and fragrances
Once you take control of your personal trigger, make sure that you are avoiding it completely
Try Cold Compress
Why don’t you apply a cold compress on your itchy skin? It is considered as an anti-itch strategy. Drench a facecloth in cold water and take out the excess water. Place the cloth wherever you feel itchy and reapply it only in the case of you need it compulsorily. If you feel good after the first attempt, don’t apply it again.
Cleanse the entire body every day
In order to avoid those Eczema itches, you have to bathe daily. Also, please keep in mind that you have itchy skin and bathe accordingly to that. Your skin will thank you later for doing this. Do bath with lukewarm water, it may sound tempting so its better to opt for a shorter bath because taking a long bath with too much water can dry your skin out and you will often feel to scratch your itch.
There is an alternative way for this method, and that is soaked in an oatmeal bath. Adding two cups of oatmeal bath in the water and sitting in the milky mixture for about fifteen minutes will make you feel good and forget about your itchy skin.
Moisturize Properly
Don’t spend more time on the moisturizer as it may make you feel itch more. Try to stay hydrated all the time as it will reduce the itch and opt for a thick cream over a thinner lotion. Make sure that you are using fragrance-free versions in order to avoid further irritating your skin. Apply the optimal amount of moisturizer a few times in a day can soothe your itchy skin.
Opt for a topical Cream
Don’t use the old creams and find out the latest cream that is producing the best results in other people. In order to relieve the itch, apply a topical cream that can contribute steroid cortisone to your skin. If your case is severe, you may need to take cortisone shots. Persons who are related to this field told that cortisone may cause side effects to your skin if you use it for a long time. Make sure to tell your physician before you are going to use it. Calcineurin inhibitor is another type of topical cream which makes you feel less itchy, and it is considered as the best option if you want to switch from another type of cream.
Go for a wet wrap therapy
After trying all the usual strategies, try wet wrap therapy in order to hydrate your skin. Using wet wrap therapy can help keep skin moist, and protect the skin from scratching. And also make sure that you are following your doctor’s instructions and the main objective of this therapy is to make your skin feel better.
Use Prescribed Drugs
If you don’t see any improvements even after applying topical ointments, lukewarm baths, wet wrap therapy, and this is the time to talk with your physician about this. He may recommend drugs called a topical immunomodulator. If your itch is still driving you crazy even after using this medication, he may switch you to different medications such as pramoxine or the antidepressant mirtazapine.
Choose Phototherapy to Deal with your Eczema Itch
Phototherapy is the best option for the people who tried all the strategies in order to manage your eczema itch. Your affected skin area will be tested by the UV light and this process will be done by a technician who is an expert in that field. Phototherapy is considered as the second-line treatment for eczema. Your physician will monitor your condition during the procedure and he makes sure that you are not exposed to more Ultraviolet light. Following are the side effects of Phototherapy. These include
- Burning
- Increased skin cancer risk
- Aging
Tolerance levels of itching are different for everyone and the same applies to this method. Your problem will be cured after taking treatment through this treatment but this will not be the case to another person. He may experience several side effects and therefore it completely depends on an individual. If you face any difficulties during the treatment make a note of it and tell your physician regarding this and he will try other methods to manage your eczema itch.
