Let’s face it, itchy skin is very annoying and stressful. There may be different reasons why your skin feels inflamed. This itchy sensation may be caused by a rash, an allergy, or you may be developing a chronic skin condition. In this article, we will be talking about a skin condition called atopic dermatitis or eczema that affects millions of people in the US. Read on to find more information about eczema and how to cope with this skin condition.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Stop Relentless Itching...Plus download our FREE Say Goodbye to Hand Dermatitis Guide at the bottom of this article!
Click to Jump Article
- What Is Eczema
- Why Is Eczema Itchy?
- What To Do When Your Eczema Itches
- Coping With Eczema
- Tips To Better Sleep at Night
What Is Eczema
Eczema, pronounced as eg-zuh-muh, is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. Eczema is very common and may begin from childhood to adulthood. [*] The exact cause of this skin condition is unknown yet. However, researchers found that common triggers for flare ups are stress and irritants. Read more to find out.
Why Is Eczema Itchy & Common Triggers
When the skin becomes red and sore, the skin becomes inflamed, and itchiness occurs. People with mild eczema may have a small area of inflammation and may experience occasional itchiness. On some people, especially those with severe cases, eczema or atopic dermatitis may spread all throughout the body and may cause inflamed and severe itching. Check out these common external and environmental factors that can trigger eczema:
Common Triggers for Eczema:
- Dry skin
- Allergies
- Stress
- Weather
- Hot Water
- Irritants like types of soap, detergent, cleaning products, etc.
What To Do When Your Eczema Itches
Here are a few ways to do to help relieve itchiness and flare from eczema:
- Apply a cool wet compress
- Take an oatmeal bath
- Apply an eczema cream or anti-itch cream
- Apply a moisturizer daily
Coping With Eczema
Battling with eczema can be both physically and emotionally scarring. Aside from treating the external symptoms of eczema, it is also important to take care of your mental and emotional well-being. The discomfort of eczema may have a huge impact on a person’s emotional and mental health. Try these 3 tips to help you cope and fight the distress brought by this skin condition:
Meditation
Practice meditation for mindfulness. Meditation can help with managing stress that may trigger eczema. Furthermore, previous research has shown that meditation helps with changing how our mind feels and gives a sense of control over the itch. [*]
Eczema Support Group
Join a support group on Facebook and Reddit and see how different people cope with the physical and emotional effect of eczema. You may also get support from the National Eczema Association (NEA). NEA offers support through their website and toll-free phone support (415-499-3474) or (800-818-7546).
Talk To Your Dermatologist
Book an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist to receive proper treatment plan. If your eczema turns severe, your doctor may prescribe you with oral, tropical ointment or steroids depending on how moderate or severe the rash is.
Tips To Better Sleep at Night
Extreme itchiness can cause sleep disturbances that can make you irritable and thoroughly exhausted. Feeling the itchiness and flare-ups during the day is challenging but dealing with it during at night is a nightmare. Follow these tips to help you sleep better at night and recharge you for the next day:
- Take an oatmeal bath before bed and apply moisturizer
- Wear loose and breathable clothing and avoid scratchy and rough fabrics
- Keep your bedroom cool to prevent you from sweating that may make your skin itchy
- Take antihistamine
- Supplement with melatonin
Want more ways to help with dermatitis. Download our free guide below 👇
Click here to download our free “Say Goodbye to Hand Dermatitis” guide.
Sources:
What is Eczema?
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/
Can meditation help ease eczema itch?