Can You Stop Eczema from Spreading by Not Scratching It?

Atopic eczema can be prevented from spreading if it is not scratched. This is because scratching the rash can cause the skin to become even itchier. Even if you can avoid scratching during the day, you may still scratch the rash while you sleep without knowing it. This can lead to restless sleep and lightheadedness during the day.

However, simply not scratching is not a cure for eczema. Frequent moisturizing can help soothe the skin and reduce itching. Atopic eczema is a genetic condition that often occurs alongside hay fever and asthma. It is often referred to as “the splashing itch”, as many people find that the itching never goes away.

Outbreaks of eczema are often triggered by a cycle of “itching and scratching”. This is when itching causes scratching, which leads to the release of inflammatory mediators and the development of eczema and drier skin. Eczema usually develops in early childhood and in some cases resolves on its own. For everyone else, it is often a lifelong condition.

Although there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments and ways to control it in order to minimize outbreaks. Doctors do not know exactly what causes eczema, but they believe it could be due to a difference in how a person's immune system reacts to things. Stressful periods, such as breakups or starting a new job, can often exacerbate eczema. Oatmeal baths are a natural treatment that can help relieve itching and discomfort from eczema rashes.

For most people, eczema is a chronic condition that requires avoiding triggers in order to prevent outbreaks. Eczema can cause swelling, redness and itching of the skin, but with proper treatment and possibly some dietary changes, relief may be experienced. For severe cases of eczema, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who can prescribe steroid cream, special bandages and wet wraps, or ultraviolet light therapy. A Northwestern University study found that pressing a certain point on the arm can help relieve itching from eczema anywhere on the body.

Allergy and Immunology Specialist Dr. Reinhard Kage and the Connecticut Institute of Rheumatology and Allergy team specialize in diagnosing and treating immune conditions such as eczema. Taking care of your skin during winter when you have eczema means protecting it from cold temperatures, dry air, allergens and chemicals. The National Eczema Association extends special thanks to Julie Van Onselen, an independent dermatology nurse, and Margaret Cox, executive director of the National Eczema Society.

Another possible cause of eczema is physical contact with chemicals, fabrics or dyes that you may be allergic to. In addition to treatments, controlling the cycle of itching and scratching is essential for managing eczema and reducing symptoms. Doctors now understand that when you scratch skin affected by eczema, it perpetuates the itching and worsens the condition. The range is enriched with additional state-of-the-art natural ingredients with exceptional benefits for dry, sensitive or even eczema-prone skin.

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Riya Hutchings
Riya Hutchings

On a quest to combat Contact Dermatitis!