BREAKING THE ITCH-SCRATCH CYCLE
If you suffer from dry skin or atopic eczema, you’ve probably been told by your doctor not to scratch and irritate the skin further. Of course, this isn’t easy but it’s really important to find ways of resisting. This is because when you scratch, it takes away the irritation temporarily but makes the problem worse in the long run. Your fingernails will damage your skin when they break the skin barrier, making it red and inflamed and even to bleed.
HOW TO STOP SCRATCHING
If you’re finding it hard to resist the urge to scratch, there are a few simple tips you can try to stop. First of all, carry around a hydrating soothing skincare product in your bag and apply that every time you feel the need to itch. A product such as LIPIKAR Stick AP+ will help to soothe the skin and restore its barrier whcih will provide protection against irritants.
It’s also important to care for your skin even when it doesn’t feel dry and itchy with a gentle skincare routine. An emollient such as LIPIKAR Balm AP+M can be applied every time you shower or bath in order to keep your skin soothed and moisturised. It also contains ingredients to help reduce itching sensations, such as Niacinamide and Canola Oil.
HELPING YOUR CHILD MANAGE ECZEMA
If it’s your child that has eczema rather than yourself, it can be quite a challenge to help them manage their condition. As with adults, you should ensure they always carry an instant itch-relieving product so they can apply it every time they get the urge to itch.
During particularly bad flare-ups, try diverting your child’s attention from the itch by keeping them busy with games, doodling or crafting. If they’re open to it, you could also try to teach them simple mindfulness techniques to stop intrusive thoughts about scratching taking over. Try to avoid activities such as swimming during a flare-up as they may irritate the skin further.
You can also add a gentle emollient into their evening bath for extra hydration and apply a moisturiser to their body once it’s dry. This should help them sleep more comfortably.
