How to stop eczema itching immediately

Eczema can be uncomfortable for adults and children alike. Here, we take a look at some tips for how to stop eczema itching immediately with VSM Pharmacy.

The itch of eczema can be enough to make you feel seriously frustrated! It can be hard to think about anything else when you are suffering from an eczema flare up, and as you know this can be even tougher when children begin to scratch. We take a look at some essential tips and tricks for how to stop eczema itching immediately with VSM pharmacy, and see why we’re the convenient online pharmacist Camberley residents trust for the best in advice, guidance and prescriptions.

Why does eczema itch?

Eczema is a common skin condition characterised by inflammation and rashes which can show up in patches. These patches can be pink, red or brown, and are usually very itchy – and hard to resist scratching! The nerves around the area where eczema is present can be impacted, making the itch even more powerful.

This can get worse at night, when you aren’t distracted, but you should never scratch your eczema. Scratching eczema can cause it to develop infections in your skin, leaving you with a worse itch, pain, and needing further intervention from your doctor.

Utilise humidifiers

One of the ways in which eczema is worsened is due to dry air. This is why eczema flare ups are often worse during the warmer months if you live in a dry climate, and may also be worse during the winter months. In the winter, we are inside our homes with radiators drying out the air and little natural air moving through the space, and the winter wind and cold can also dry out your skin.

If you find that you struggle with eczema, providing a more moist climate can help, especially at night – so putting a humidifier in your bedroom can provide relief during the night and even during the day.

Moisturise well

After you bathe, especially in hot baths or showers, your skin is far more prone to drying out, causing worse eczema flare ups. If this seems like something that happens to you, or if you just want a way to stem the itch, then moisturise your skin while damp at least twice a day. You can also use oil to seal in the moisture and ensure that you enjoy the full benefit of it. Keeping your skin in good condition won’t stop eczema altogether, but it can help itching substantially.

Use cool and damp compresses

If eczema itch is driving you to distraction, then an instant trick for relieving that itch is by applying a cool and damp compress such as a flannel to the impacted area. While you may need to change these compresses fairly often, it can stop the urge to itch in its tracks and give you some relief when you most need it. If you are having a significant eczema flare up with leakage, then make sure to use dressings rather than any other material, as you don’t want to accidentally contaminate the area.

Apply creams to stop the itch

There are many creams that you can use to ease eczema itching, which can be suitable for both adults and children. While many hydrocortisone creams are only available on prescription, those containing a lower amount of this powerful ingredient can be purchased over the counter. You can also use less aggressive measures such as calamine lotion, which can help to cool and relieve your skin temporarily. If these do not work, then visiting a doctor to discover if a prescription option would work for you might be a good idea.

Don’t scratch

Perhaps the top tip you can adhere to when suffering from eczema is to avoid scratching that itch! This might provide temporary relief, but it will ultimately cause more damage and more itching, and will make topical treatments more difficult and painful to apply. You can cover the patches of eczema to reduce your temptation, keep your nails short, and wear cotton gloves overnight to prevent yourself from scratching unconsciously. Again, this can be an extremely good idea with children who don’t understand why they shouldn’t scratch.

Take antihistamine medication

Eczema flare ups can sometimes be the result of an associated allergy, so taking an over the counter antihistamine could be beneficial to reduce severe discomfort. In some cases, you may want to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist to find out whether a prescription antihistamine might be more helpful, depending on the severity of your allergy and your eczema.

Try a bath

While very hot water is drying, a bath can actually be useful in the battle against that troublesome eczema itch! Taking a warm (but not hot) bath with baking soda or an emollient can be helpful to provide moisture, as well as making your skin more open to any medicated or unmedicated lotions and moisturisers you may apply once you get out of the bath. But don’t relax for too long – any more than around fifteen minutes can begin to dry your skin out and leave you itchier!

Wear with care

If you notice that your eczema feels worse when you wear certain outfits, this isn’t all in your head! You should avoid materials that inflame your eczema, such as wool or polyester. Instead, choose loose cotton that keeps your skin covered but not restricted. You should also steer clear of fragranced lotions, perfumes or moisturisers.