How To Stop Scratching Eczema

Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD

You know how challenging it can be to fight the urge to scratch if you have eczema. The skin condition causes dry, scaly, itchy skin rashes. However, while some people may find relief from the itchiness by scratching, doing so can increase the risk of bleeding or skin infections.

Fortunately, there are many ways to stop scratching eczema, from using cold compresses to finding ways to relieve stress. Read on to learn more, including how to treat your skin if you've scratched it too much.

Why Does Eczema Get Itchy?

One of the hallmark signs of eczema is skin inflammation, which can lead to what's called pruriceptive itching. This type of itch occurs when nerve terminals in the skin become activated because of skin issues like inflammation, insect bites, and dryness.

What Are the Risks of Scratching?

Scratching is the automatic response to itching. Though scratching an itch may feel good and provide relief in the short term, there are downsides to the act. Scratching too much can:

• Break or irritate the skin

• Result in bleeding or infections

• Make itchy skin worse and long-lasting

Tips To Stop Itching and Scratching

For people with eczema specifically, scratching can worsen itching and skin inflammation. Consider using the following tips to prevent the risks of scratching if you have eczema.

1. Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Having hydrated skin can keep you from scratching too much. You can treat dry skin by:

• Moisturizing after baths and showers

• Moisturizing throughout the day as needed

• Turning on a humidifier
  

Topical anesthetics and emollients are cream or lotion products to help you stop scratching. The anesthetics help numb itchy areas on the skin. Products that have a ketamine, amitriptyline, and lidocaine (KAL) foundation are effective against itchiness.

Emollients help fight dryness but should only be used once per day. Emollient products such as Sarna—which has pramoxine, an anti-itch ingredient—can especially be helpful.

Best Lotion for Eczema

It's essential to use moisturizers that are eczema-friendly. They can help your skin heal and reduce itchiness. These moisturizers should have no fragrances, perfumes, or dyes.

Look for moisturizers or lotions with the following ingredients:

• Aloe

• Glycerin or humectants—help with dryness

• Hyaluronic acid

• Niacinamide—supports improved skin appearance

• Oat or shea butter

• Petrolatum

• Vitamin E

Additionally, moisturizers that can be beneficial for eczema include products such as:

• Aquaphor

• Aveeno

• Castor oil

• Cerave

• Cetaphil

• Coconut oil

• Hydrolatum

• Petroleum jelly, like Vaseline

2. Take a Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

Colloidal oatmeal can reduce the likelihood of scratching. Eczema includes skin inflammation, and this type of oatmeal is made of ground oat kernels and has anti-inflammatory properties. Colloidal oatmeal may also be an ingredient in creams. Researchers found that using oatmeal in this form led to better skin hydration.

To use colloidal oatmeal in a bath, you can add it to lukewarm running water for a bath and soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes. Remember to moisturize afterward.

3. Cut Your Nails

Scratching may be less of an issue with shorter nails. Keeping nails short reduces the possibility of an infection from germs and dirt that can end up under nails.

Look at your nails following a bath or shower and determine if you need to cut them. Ensure you trim them straight across, then use an emery board to round them off and moisturize your hands afterward.

4. Use Cold Compresses or Ice

Heat is a known trigger for eczema and can lead to itchiness and rashes. However, cold temperatures can be more helpful. The cold temperature can temporarily block the itch and help you break the scratch cycle. You can apply a cold compress or ice to any areas affected by eczema rather than heat.

5. Do Habit Reversal for Scratching

Because scratching is considered an automatic response to itching, people may do it without thinking about it. One way to stop mindlessly scratching is to use "habit reversal."

Habit reversal involves identifying when you're most likely to engage in a habit and distracting yourself with something else during those times. For example, if you tend to scratch while you watch TV, you could prepare by having a stress-relief ball, fidget spinner, or adult coloring book to keep your hands busy.

6. Avoid Skin Irritants

Many things can irritate the skin and make eczema symptoms worse. For example, irritating substances can trigger inflammation as an immune system response or promote more itchiness when they come into contact with a person's skin.

Stay away from irritants, such as the following, to avoid scratching:

• Allergens such as dust or pet dander
  

• Scented skincare products and detergents

• Sudden body temperature or stress changes

7. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Another possible skin irritant is a rough fabric like wool or tight clothes. For instance, prickly-feeling fabrics can result in itchiness because of the skin contact with the fibers. Choose loose-fitting pieces made of cotton and also consider:

• Buying tagless clothes—or removing the tags

• Covering irritating seams

• Washing new garments, prior to wearing them, in fragrance- and dye-free detergents
  

8. Make Attempts To De-Stress

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate eczema symptoms in some people. Researchers found that individuals with a skin condition like eczema may feel that they have higher stress levels in general.

To get both under control, try meditating, practicing yoga, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising. All four activities can lower stress levels while keeping you mentally and physically healthy.

9. Consider Light Therapy

Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, or phototherapy, can help manage eczema symptoms and prevent scratching. This treatment consists of exposing areas affected by eczema to UV light. The light can reduce any inflammation and keep your skin from itching.

You Scratched Too Much—Now What?

Sometimes, people can scratch too much when they have eczema. If that happens, here's what you can do:

• Keep skin injuries clean by gently washing the affected area with mild soap.

• Use petroleum jelly to help with healing and reduce the likelihood of a scab forming.

• Cover the area with a bandage unless it may irritate the skin. You could also use non-adhesive gauze with paper tape.
  

A Quick Review

The itchiness that comes from eczema can make it difficult not to scratch. However, it's possible to keep yourself from scratching any affected areas. Taking warm baths with colloidal oatmeal, keeping your skin moisturized, and avoiding skin irritants are a few ways to prevent scratching your skin. Less scratching means a lower chance of further skin inflammation, irritation, or infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does eczema spread if itched?

Yes. Scratching can result in more inflammation and itchiness.

Will eczema go away if you do not scratch?

Eczema is uncurable, so it may not go away even if you don't scratch. However, not scratching can reduce the risk of it getting worse.

Why is scratching eczema so addictive?

Scratching is the automatic response to itching and gives a person temporary relief from the itchiness.

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