Eczema is often referred to as “the itch that you can’t scratch” but a more accurate statement should be “the itch you SHOULDN’T scratch”!
When you scratch your eczema, you tear open nerve endings and sensitive skin that can lead to bacterial infections, more inflamed patches of skin, and an increased risk of large scarring when your eczema does heal over. We want to avoid that!
When I went through the Flawless Program to heal my eczema, I noticed that a lot of the itchiness subsided as my gut and immune system began to heal.
However, there were still times at night that I found it hard to stop scratching, and I noticed that other people, including children, also had the same issue.
We all deserve to get a good night’s sleep, so let me share with you a few of my tricks that I used when my eczema was the itchiest–particularly at night. It has to do with a bit of science and learning how to trick your brain! 😉
First things first, let’s ask ourselves this question:
Why do we itch?
Itching usually starts with a outside stimulus, think of an insect bite, dust, or prickly clothing for example. (In the case of most eczema, it’s when our body pushes toxins out through our skin, irritating the outer skin layers.)
When our body feels an element that annoys the outer skin, receptors in the skin become irritated and they immediately send a super fast itching signal (we talk more about this signal later) up to the cerebral cortex in our brain.
This signal says something like, “Hello brain! There’s something irritating the skin!”
As soon as our brain receives this signal it communicates to our body to get rid of it. Hence, our first instinctive response is to scratch the itch immediately to remove the irritation.
Once the irritation is gone, (and you’ve scratched it away!) the signal to your brain is interrupted, and you no longer feel the itchiness.
Why does eczema itching feel so good?
Let me ask you a question. Have you ever felt that pleasure from scratching at in itch?
You know, that pain-pleasure feeling when you just can’t stop scratching? If you have, did you ever wonder why it felt so good, to the point where you just can’t stop?
Well, it has to do with two things: Pain, and the itching signal I previously mentioned.
The itching signal (when something is irritating your skin) is transmitted to your brain by the body’s smallest C-fiber nerves. These C-fiber nerves are essentially the itching signal’s transportation method: destination, your brain.
Right next to these C-fiber nerve lines, are some other C-fiber nerves, but they’re not carrying an itching signal.
These other C-fiber nerve lines are carrying something different, another feeling called pain. Actually because they’re so close together, in the past scientists mistakenly thought that pain and the feeling of itchiness traveled on the same C-fiber nerves—but this was dispelled by further research showing that pain and itching elicit opposite responses.
Pain causes a withdrawal response (making us back away) and itching causes a towards response (making us want to go nearer).
Scientists also discovered that the brain only processes one kind of sensation from a particular location of your body at a time. This means that when your body feels intense pain, it will shut off the feeling of itching until the pain goes away. This also works vice-versa: no pain = intense itchiness. This is why taking pain killers can actually make your eczema feel more itchy.
That’s why scratching feels so good!—at least temporarily. Scratching generates another sensation (of pain and heat) that suppresses the feelings of itchiness—at least for a while. The problem is that once the other sensation subsides, the itch returns and you feel like scratching again to relieve yourself.
At this stage you might find it difficult to stop scratching because it’s very satisfying. Suppressing the itch (through scratching and pain) gives an intense amount of pleasure, and can release endorphins that give you a natural high. This is something naturally hardwired into our brain, and what is commonly referred to as the itch-scratch cycle.
How to reduce eczema itchiness
One way to reduce itchiness is to suppress the C-fiber nerve endings that give our brain the itch signal, and we can do this using different sensations.
Here are a few methods:
Ice, ice, baby.
Icing the area can numb the tiny C-fibers from transmitting itchy signals to the brain. If your eczema is itching at night, try holding an ice pack over the itchy area for 5-10 minutes or until it’s numb. You can also take an ice-bath or a really cold shower. This will make the fibers slow and they won’t transmit itching signals as fast to the brain.
Get a massage.
Massages are a mix of pain and pleasure, which really distracts the brain. If the itchiness is bad at night, try massaging another body part to create a sensation away from the part that itches. If you have a child who scratches themselves for long periods at night, try to put them to sleep with a massage, away from the eczema-infected area.
Focus on another sensation.
If your leg is itching, try to create another sensation on a different part of your body: like your arm for example. Doing an exercise, going for a walk, or creating a kind of strain on another part of your body will take your brain off the itchiness.
Blow or pat the skin.
Blowing or patting the itchy part of your skin creates a sensation that can disrupt the itching signal. If you have a child who is itchy at night, you can have them try to pat or blow their skin instead of scratching.
Try the Itch-stopper.
The Itch stopper is a tool that distributes heat (a type of pain) gently onto your skin, turning off your brain’s itching receptors and releasing histamines that cause your skin to become itchy. It’s talked more about in this article , and you can check out some of the reviews here. If you’re suffering a lot from itchiness, it’s worth a try!
Get busy.
Whenever you start to feel the need to scratch, try to do something else that requires a lot of brain concentration as opposed to just waiting for the sensation to go away (it usually won’t!). Playing a video game, cooking, or cleaning can disrupt the itching signal to your brain and make the urge to scratch go away. (Sometimes at night I would play a phone memory game or fold laundry to take my mind off scratching.)
Count to 10.
You can try to create a habit around scratching, by telling your brain (and yourself) that you won’t itch after a certain amount of time. If you really can’t resist the urge to scratch, try to pat or blow on your skin for 10 seconds, then move on to do something else. By making this a habit, you reinforce the idea to your brain that after a certain amount of time the itching signal is no longer necessary.
Epsom Salt Baths
For itchiness, try soaking in Epsom salts. Epsom salts help by acting as an alkalizing agent–balancing your body’s pH, and drawing toxins from the body. This can help to soothe your skin and balance your pH levels.Here’s a link to one i’ve used in the past when my skin was inflamed: Epsom bath salts.
Don’t soak in it more than 3 times a week, as they are a heavy detox!
Soaking 1-2x a week is enough.
(Soak a small eczema part first, to test on your skin.)
Fight fire with water
If your eczema is red, inflamed, and burning, you need to “put the fire out”, so to speak.
Use a water-based moisturizer such as 100% cold pressed Aloe Vera Gel.
Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties help to soothe the skin, and reduce stinging and burning.
Put some clay on it!
Clay has been used since the early times, to treat burns or skin issues, and even to heal venomous stings and bites, like from bees, wasps and spiders!
Clays works by drawing the venom out of the skin, relieving the pain and allowing the sting to heal more easily. Because of this, it’s often used for extreme itching or burning.
Use virgin, untreated clay, such green clay, such as Living Clay. It’s called montmorillonite or bentonite clay and is the most powerful type.
Attacking the problem by the roots
If you still find yourself itching constantly, then you might want to consider getting to the core problem. After all, it makes more sense to understand and attack the source of the itch, doesn’t it?
Eczema breakouts are a big part of what causes this itchiness. Whenever you break out in eczema or have a flare-up, that particular area becomes extremely itchy.
The first thing you’ll want to do is to get to the root of the problem: stop the breakouts! Eczema is a symptom of something wrong inside our bodies, and taking steps to heal the root problem will stop the itchy breakouts from happening in the first place.
If you want to find out what’s really causing your eczema, watch my free training series. I’ll help you get started!
I hope I’ve helped you on your way to becoming itch-free! Did these methods work for you? Leave a reply!
PS: Don't know where to start? Sign up to my free series The Clear Skin Plan !
A good article. I started my treatment today after consulting a dermatologist. When it comes to itching I sprinkle cold water on infected itchy area.
Thanks for the tip!
Thank you. The tips you shared are tips we take for granted. I use to use a cold wash cloth to releave my itching. Thanks
I have been suffering from eczema for about a year now and it is honestly one of the most irritating and annoying things, i have been to the doctors several times and tried so many different creams. I moisturise regularly but still seem to get those red dots which tend to bleed if i itch them to much. I have never had it before , it just randomly came on and hasn’t gone away! I have tried literally EVERYTHING. I need help!!
Hi Sophia, eczema is often a symptom of a problem much deeper. Getting to the root problem can definitely help your eczema condition.
recently in the past 3-4 months I have had a really irritated, infected and itchy rash on my neck. And I don’t realise that I’m itching it while I’m sleeping, so I wake up and its bleeding and because I’m itching so much a cream works for a few minutes then gets infected so its spread onto my eyes and the back of neck now. Do you recommend any creams for sensitive skin? I have tried using lots of creams like Advanten, Vitamin E, QV and I’m now using QV Intensive which is slowly working but not working fast enough.
Coconut oil or even avacodo oil feels great on my eczema
Try aveeno extra sensitive. Tried it out recently and its helped alot with my hand and facing eczema
I Can get rid of pain, but itchiness stays, and it keeps me up for hours at a time, trying not to itch, but the urge gets so bad I start to cry and wish it was never there. Ice helps, so I Put 3 icecubes in the softest washcloth I could find and kept that against my face. The first time i had eczema I was about 3 and Its gotten worse everytime. It started around at my nose, went away, and started to be in more places on my face and ears each time it came back. I got it again yesterday, and It was on my fingers for the first time. It was also on my cheeks, nose, ear, eyelid, and chin. I am now 13, and Im trying to get to sleep because I have to wake up early for a funeral, but instead im crying the whole night. ( While writing this it took it off my mind, though! )
I just read your comment and I feel so much for you. I am 33 and I was diagnosed with Eczema and contact dermatitis almost 3 years ago now. My brother has and sister also has skin psoriasis. I absolutely understand your condition . Itching can be so painful. I had sleepless nights too. It is constant and on your mind all the time. Funny and sad part is no one understands it until that person gets it himself. All I can say is that stay strong .. Eat well and do what makes you happy and peaceful. I wish I could something but it your own battle , just like I have
Mine. I have been going to dermatologist and he suggested few things it does not help completely but it does help a little. He suggested taking Benadrel at night which helps me sleep better at night. I would say go see a dermatologist if you can. You have a long way ahead of , you are young. So be strong .
Victoria ,I would also suggest to get your allergy patch test. I know it’s not related to eczema but like in my case my skin was getting worse and still it is but after patch test at least I know what I am allergic to, and I stay away from that. I am allergic to soaps .. Vitamin E and the list goes on. I know that skin issues are hard to manage but you are not alone. My husband helps me to a point but after that he cannot , so I know I have to deal it with all by myself. Small little changes makes a difference . Lemon water helped me to clear my skin a bit .. Try small steps and see how it goes for you. Healthy Diet can also help
If lemon water helped you (Vit C) it might be you are allergic to nickel. Which is found in most veggies and fruits and whole wheat. Taking Vit C with food and iron reduces nickel absorbtion.
Just an idea.
Hi Victoria, sorry to hear you’re struggling, hang in there!
Have you tried the Epsom salt baths (mentioned in the article)? Soaking in epsom salts for your eczema 1-2x a week has helped a lot of my clients find relief from the itchiness.
Also, I agree with seeing if you can get an allergy test. It may be able to give you some direction as to what to avoid. I know for me, changing my diet and finding what was triggering my breakouts in the first place, really helped.
Let us know how it goes!
OH MY GOD I CAN RELATE SO MUCH!
I feel your pain I’m now 14 and have had eczema for 12 years. I hate it so much i feel like my life revolves around it I’m constantly itchy but not just itchy like crazily itchy like i have no control over my hands and i just keep scratching even though i know the damage i’m causing but i still can’t stop. I am also super self concicous about my skin i always like to cover it up i also have really bad eczema on my face so I’m always wearing make up which i really enjoy doing but it makes my face worse but i feel as though i have to wear it…..it suckssss! But we have to deal with it unfortunately 🙁 🙁
Yeah, I comletely understand. I’m fourteen at the moment and have had mild eczema since I was a lot younger but it’s rapidly grown in the last 3 years and now takes over a lot of my time. I have it over most of the backs of my hands and down parts of my lower arm and I understand the crying. It’s so hard not to itch and especially at night it’s horrendous. I’m not quite sure what to say; I’ve used so many creams etc but none of them seem to work and I’ve personally wanted to try hypnotherapy as it helped my friend with her anxiety. It’s horrible when people see it because they always think that I’ve burnt my hands and when they do know it’s eczema, I’ve had people ask why I don’t just put more cream on it. It makes me so mad but I’m really happy that I’ve found this site and other people with eczema. I hope that we can all find a way through this.
I understand u guys too! Im 13 and ive had eczema since i can remember, but i recently tried aveeno extra sensitive cream and its really helped out with my hand and facial eczema. One time i had a really bad flare up that I didnt want to leave the house or even go to school, and it lasted a few months. Would definitely recommend aveeno
i bathe daily with coconut oil added to my whirlpool bath . this has REALLY! helped me to contain my symptoms the most. my worst areas are my hands so about twice a week i sleep with nitrile gloves on top of my prescribed betaval ointment. i used to get bad spots on my elbows. when they flared up i would put my betaval ointment on and then plastic wrap over the area with a sock to hold it in place (over night). i cut out the toe of the sock so it would slip on comfortably. good luck! eczema really sucks! but it can be managed. you will definitely need to see your dermatologist to get the prescription going for the worst areas. i treat my not so bad areas daily with cortisone cream after each bath. i have also found that vaseline applied over my cream whether they be corticone or my betaval really helps to hold the medicine in longer and really helps.
Hi, I’m Brody and I have had eczema since I was a baby. Even in elementary school I had things like impetigo and had to stay home. I have never had a satisfying night sleep and I wake up every night every 15-20 minutes. I’m 19 now and it’s hard to keep a job when my dermatologist wants to hospitalize me. I’ve tried all these things and currently see a couple doctors, and they have given me some advice. However, I can’t find anything that works. Is there anything else that may help, because I’m getting to the point where I just want someone to tie my hands to the sides of the bed so I can’t move!
Hi there Brody thanks for commenting!
From everything you mentioned it sounds like one of your biggest problems is not knowing what triggers your eczema breakouts in the first place.
If you don’t know where to start, I explain more about the root cause of eczema in my free video series on the site. Feel free to sign up to my training series here. The advice I give in the training series has helped many people with their eczema, and I think it could help you too!
I used to have mild eczema when I was younger, but it wasn’t until the past few years that I started to get more severe flare ups. I’ve gone to my dermatologist and I was given prescripted medication which has definitely helped to a degree. But as an athlete who wears their fair amount of braces (ankle and back) I find that the chafing, sweat and heat doesn’t help. For me, I’ve found avoiding tight clothing or clothes that cause a lot of chafing in that area(s) helps. I also use Eucerin Original Healing Creme for Very Dry, Sensative Skin (highly recommend and make sure it’s fragrance free) that comes in a small tub, mix it with my prescriptions, slather it over my eczema, and then cover it with gauze. My dermatologist told me that containing moisture and the medication under gauze helps areas that don’t receive as much blood flow heal quicker (in my case my ankle area). I generally wrap it before I go to bed. Another thing I recently started doing was putting a small layer of peppermint essential oil on the affected area after using Eucerin and my prescriptions. I had it really bad one night and I found the burn-cool sensation helped to cool it down. One more thing you could try is aloe Vera gel. It personally didn’t work for me but I’ve seen it being recommended as a home remedy on other websites. I hope you find something that works for you!
I used to have mild eczema when I was younger, but it wasn’t until the past few years that I started to get more severe flare ups. I’ve gone to my dermatologist and I was given prescripted medication which has definitely helped to a degree. But as an athlete who wears their fair amount of braces (ankle and back) I find that the chafing, sweat and heat doesn’t help. For me, I’ve found avoiding tight clothing or clothes that cause a lot of chafing in that area(s) helps. I also use Eucerin Original Healing Creme for Very Dry, Sensative Skin (highly recommend and make sure it’s fragrance free) that comes in a small tub, mix it with my prescriptions, slather it over my eczema, and then cover it with gauze. My dermatologist told me that containing moisture and the medication under gauze helps areas that don’t receive as much blood flow heal quicker (in my case my ankle area). I generally wrap it before I go to bed. Another thing I recently started doing was putting a small layer of peppermint essential oil on the affected area after using Eucerin and my prescriptions. I had it really bad one night and I found the burn-cool sensation helped to cool it down. One more thing you could try is aloe Vera gel. It personally didn’t work for me but I’ve seen it being recommended as a home remedy on other websites. I hope you find something that works for you!
Hi there
I’ve had eczema since I was around 6 now I’m 16 it’s gotten a lot worse I have it on my arms it’s just so itchy and I can’t sleep at night I cry myself to sleep sometimes because I cannot cope with it.the creams do not help at all I seriously need help I am so stressed out
Sorry to hear that! I know how that feels 🙁 Do you know what is causing your breakouts?
I completely understand you, I have it on my face but what ive found that helps is aveeno extra sensitive cream and soaking the area in ice water for about 5 minutes and then patting ur hands dry.
I have had eczema since I was little and I had it under control but the past months it just flared up and has been getting really bad and most of the things in the article I have tried…I have yet to find a moisturizer that works well with my skin but I do have this rubber band that I pop every time I feel an itch or about to stratch and it helps sometimes
When i get to my bed i sleep well but at the time of 2:00 clock my body start itching si much…. Please somebody tell me the solution of this problem..
I have eczema since 4 years ago, it started with spot bumps on my legs and became worse these few months. It is now all over my body and i have to wear long pants and shirt all the time to cover the ugly bumps/scars. It’s not only itchy but oozing which makes me so depressed. Now it started to attack my face, i got it on my face for months now and my self esteem were slam to the floor. It was so embarrassing and itchy and i cry every night. I have spent a lot of money to visit dermatologist but it was only temporarily treat it.
Is your eczema infected? If it’s weeping it may be and you could need antibiotics to deal with the infection. Both me and my daughter (5) have eczema. She has severe eczema compounded by several food allergies. She has had a few infections with similar symptoms to what you describe.
Thank u soooo much
I’ve have eczema since I was 7 (now I’m 20) .
It’s the most annoying skin condition u can have
Ur artical has really helped me, I’ve learn things doctors never told me.
I think I’m going to try the 10 second method ? ?
Thank u so much
What a wonderful artical ?
I’ve learnt things doctors never told me.
I think I’m going to try the 10 second method, and try doing something to distract my mind ☺️
Hi, I have struggled with eczema for years, over 30 to be precise, I’ve had it since I was 5-6. I have just managed to start the reverse process into healing and I’m so excited. Here is what I’ve done:
1) change the diet – no sugar, bread, milk, alcohol. Mainly vegetables, healthy oils and some meat. Diet alone didn’t make the trick for me, it was only after adding the below when I started to see a difference. However, I do notice flare ups if I’m consuming sugar foods, so diet is very important for healing
2) good night sleep – min 7-8hours every day. Cannot emphasise enough how important this is.
3) 1/3 teaspoon of organic turmeric and 1/3 teaspoon of ground nutmeg morning and evening before meal. I take it with avocado or some oil to increase absorption of turmeric. To increase absorption you can check golden milk recipie online. The turmeric spice on its own is not as effective as when prepared following that method, and better results are seen much quicker
4) fresh sage from the supermarket – chew 7-10 leafs after morning and evening meal. Taking it after lunch is optional, while at work I don’t take it lunchtime, but weekends I do.
5) add on vitamins A (8000IU), E(200IU), D3(20microgr) -deficiency of these is usually one of the causes for eczema. I’m taking higher amounts as the Daily recommended is too low to restore a deficiency.
6) I soak 1 table spoon of flaxseed at night in half a cup of water. Drink it first thing in the morning (no chewing, whole seeds and the water) with a probiotic pill
7) juicing – carrot juice is great to restore the intestinal lining and helped noticeably when I intriduced it. I now have one cup of carrot juice (I also add some ginger to it, and some apple, but carrot is 2/3 of the cup).
8) ginger, lemon and honey tea. I use fresh ginger and lemon for that. Take it preferable on an empty stomach or between meals. 1-2 cups a day.
9) oolong tea – twice a day after meal. This really helped with the redness and itchiness. I think it restored the internal balance.
10) although tempted, I’ve not used steroid creams recently. I’ve had a lot of that until the last 3-4 years and it did not help at all, as creams don’t fix the problem. Aloe Vera gel helps a bit with the itch if needed.
That’s all. Sounds like a lot but it is very easy do do. The important thing is doing everything above at the same time. One or two of the steps on its own didn’t work for me. Once I had it all at the same time, it took only about a couple of weeks to see the amazing difference. This is my personal trial and error, hope this helps you as well! The key indeed is restoring your intestinal balance the trick is finding how to effectively and permanently do that.
I think Bragg Vinegar with mothers will do, try it and lets get results
Thank you Ana! I am going to do all those things. You’ve summarised ideas I already had – but didn’t follow consistently – and added a couple more. Thank you. I just gave up gluten and sugar and alcohol for Lent so this is perfect timing! I’m 62 and have had severe eczema on my hands for 14 years. So painful and embarrassing. It has been holding me back from some things – tennis, gardening, making bread, doing pottery – but otherwise I just carry on and enjoy life. Wish me luck!
i have tried this formula for three days now and already getting results –i think u might be on to something here—last night i had the best sleep that ive had for as long as i can remember—i had minor itching the night b4,,so what i am seeing and feeling is gradual improvement ongoing—its very exciting as well as a sense of hope and relief that maybe this is the formula that helps me ..i am 56 years old and have had eczema all my life and have tried everything to help me–maybe this is it –will update u in another 3–4 days
So glad it can help!
In an effort to keep this pithy, I’d like to share that according to numerous articles I have read, and also the opinion of my naturopath, all skin conditions are food allergy or gut related. In the past I had occasional dermatitis issues that were eventually diagnosed as psoriasis. In addition, I developed eczema recently and after an extensive food allergy blood test, discovered numerous food allergies present in my gut and blood. On top of that, I have Candida yeast overgrowth originating in my gut. I would suggest to everyone with any skin conditions to research and consider the food allergy and gut connection. An anti-inflammatory diet will also do wonders in helping to clear up the skin. As a topical treatment, a dead sea salt bath at least 3 times a week works wonders in detoxing and aids in healing of the skin. Olive oil and fractionated coconut oil help in moisturizing and, in the case of coconut oil, also an antifungal. It will take much patience, commitment, perseverance and time to get healthy, but will be well worth the effort. Many blessings to everyone suffering with these terrible and sometimes debilitating condition.
Hi Christina,
Thanks for an interesting website.
Found book in library today about anti-scratch technique taught at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital in London.
Basically: you replace the scratching with new, non-damaging behaviour: clenching your fist for 30 seconds. The urge to scratch has usually passed by the time the 30 seconds are up. This breaks the habitual scratching cycle.
I have been suffering from eczema for my whole entire life and I’m only 11 years old. Once my back was really itchy for 1 year, then it was my chest, now it’s my hands for 2 years and I think now it’s starting to spread on my legs. My back healed and chest but my hands are still spreading. Thanks for the tips I will soon try them 🙂 I try and hide my hands with my sleeve so that no one can see my eczema. It is getting better.
I have been dealing with eczema for almost 18 years. Been to several doctors, tried numerous creams. What I think is working ends up flaring it up. A frustrating circle. I ended up putting diaper cream on it and after months the redness was gone and only one small patch was left. This is my on going scratching area. It starts to heal, it gets itchy, I scratch it, it flares up, and around we go. I also started acupuncture to see if that will help it. This webpage gave me some new ideas to try. Thank you
I had been going to the Dr for 6 months because of a bad breakout on my hands that spread from the anterior to the posterior side. My Dr first treated it with prescription cortisone, which initially helped to control the burning itch, but it always seemed to come back with a vengeance and continued to spread. She originally thought it was pomphilyx or dyshidrosis. Come to find out that it was a fungal infection. The new course of treatments consists of clotrimazole cream, an oral antifungal, and anything to help facilitate the healing process. I soak my hands in vinegar mixed with water. Straight vinegar will sting so be careful. I also dab antiseptic mouthwash on a cleansing pad and apply that on the affected areas. It has a very mild, tolerable sting, but it helps sooth the itch. Epsom salts help soothe other itch. Arm yourself with anything you can think of. When my hands get dry, I use aquaphor along with the cream and that helps to sooth the problem. I’m on day 5 and notice a slight improvement as my problem will take 4-6 weeks to completely resolve. No matter what skin condition we each have, one thing is for sure: it’s extremely painful to deal with and there seems to be a desperation to try anything that may seem promising. I don’t believe there’s just one solution though. I wish you all success in your endeavors to find that combination that works for you.
Like others on this board, I was unable to sleep due to extremely itchy eczema behind my elbows and knees that seemed to be at its itchiest and most painful at about 2am. I tried eczema creams, moisturizers, antihistamines, etc. Nothing was helping. I researched expensive itch-stopping machines online; some were swearing by them, but others had good reasons to doubt their efficacy. Then I found a blog suggesting that these machines simply apply heat to the skin. If this is the case, I thought, then I can simply apply heat to my itchy skin, and maybe I’ll get some sleep. And it worked. I haven’t woken up itching at night since doing the following:
First, get your shower water very hot. The water should be hot enough that it is uncomfortable and burns a bit but not so hot that it causes physical damage to your skin. Then, hold your itchy skin under the hot water for at least 20-40 seconds. While you’re doing this, your skin is going to itch like crazy, but DO NOT SCRATCH. The itch will subside within the 20-40 seconds. After applying hot water to all your itchy areas, dab yourself dry with a towel. Finally, immediately apply eczema cream to the itchy areas. Doing this gives me 12+ hours of relief from the itchiness associated with my eczema.
This method seems to go against some of the more conventional advice I’ve seen online, which includes taking cool or lukewarm showers. I also admit that this is likely a superficial “cure” for my itchiness that does not deal with the roots or causes of the problem. But at least I can sleep, and I don’t have to deal with debilitating itchiness throughout the day. For now, that’s enough for me.
A mixture of organic virgin coconut oil mixed with peppermint oil helps my grandson. Have tried everything else without help. Epsom salt baths at bedtimesor baking soda. The oil for other times.
For the itchiness, please try the Gold Bond ANTI ITCH lotion. It has menthol in it and does give relief for a little while. I have the worst case and this helps. Good luck everyone.
Omg! You saved my life!I’m seriously sooooo grateful for the tips.my niece,who is 7 years old would not stop scratching or crying the whole night,and the count one to ten technique worked!! She is even snoring now 🙂 thank you so much dear
Great to hear!
Also. Diaper rash cream with no added perfumes. I know it sounds crazy but my son had been battling it for 3 years now. So many sleepless nights,topical steroids everyday, all kinds of moisterizers. He even withdrawals when he doesnt have his steroid ( some sad stuff if i were you i would never touch a topical steroid ) but i put diaper cream on him three nights in a row and he was completely healed. Its soothes itchiness and also acts as a barrier for things that irritate the skin. He doesnt even have one patch. And im talking a kid with eczema from head to toe,oozing patches,and no sleep for either of us, ever. Just try it.
Christina, such a wonderful, helpful article! One question: what worked for me, when my body was 90% covered in heavy eczema, was taking a salt bath with pH 8.5. It drew all toxins out and relieved my itching completely for several days, allowing my skin to heal. However, I also read that a healthy skin pH-value should be around 5.5, as it needs to be acidic in being our largest barrier against infections. My question: doesn’t this salt bath, while temporarily relieving me, ultimately destroy my skin by giving it a pH-value roughly 1000x more alkaline as it should be? Or does my skin quickly reset pH-value after an alkaline bath? Thank you for taking the time to help me!
These tips seem very helpful and I cannot wait to try out a few! I have had eczema for 17 years and it has never got any better, in fact- this year it has gotten worse, my entire body is covered, head to toe- including scalp, ears and even my toes. I have tried so many different creams and have been on many different antibiotics to try and rid of it, I would like to attempt a more natural approach to to treating my skin as it has grown thin due to steroid creams so is even more weaker and prone to infection. I struggle with trying to avoid itching it, especially at night however I do recommend a certain antihistamine tablet, it is only 4 milligrammes but has a sedative effect so will help you sleep itch free if no other options work
I have read that cow’s milk & dairy, oranges & pineapple (acidic fruit), coffee, wheat (which is in most things) can cause allergies & eczema flare ups..I suffered in childhood but have periods where years go by & no flare ups. I have had a long flare up lasting over 2 years now but I’ve started trying to eliminate certain foods & I think it’s defo helping. ..swapped cows milk for almond milk. Itching at night is now my only major problem…due to lower/higher? cortizol/histamine levels at night. I also just suspected bed bugs or dust mites in my mattress as causes..not sure?i find bananas are helping me daily & I’m going to start having avocado daily & plenty of leafy greens, for vitamins A, E, folate etc Hope this helps someone. Also a cream with antibacterial properties such as Germolene I think helps.
Aveeno has oatmeal therapy stuff that you put in the bath. I works really great and helps the itching to stop.