People with eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) may experience many symptoms, with chronic itch typically recognized as one of the most severe.

The itch-scratch cycle, sometimes called the itch-scratch-damage cycle, starts with inflammation of the skin. This inflammation leads to itching so intense that it’s hard not to scratch. You might scratch the affected area, which causes the skin to become more inflamed, in turn, causing the skin to become itchier. Then the cycle begins again. Scratching seems to be the only thing that may offer relief.

Luckily, there are ways to manage itching and put a stop to the itch-scratch cycle.

How To Stop the Itch-Scratch Cycle

Controlling the itch in the first place — thus preventing scratching — is the best way to avoid skin damage, infections, and scarring. Although there’s no cure for eczema, treatments may help you find some itch relief.

To find the right eczema treatments and itch-management techniques, talk to your dermatologist. They’ll work with you to determine what’s causing your itching and find the best way to manage it.

1. Avoid Irritants and Allergens

Many everyday substances can irritate the skin and cause itching in people with eczema. Soaps, detergents, and fragrances are common causes of irritation that lead to itching. Soaps with sodium lauryl sulfate (sometimes called SLS) should be avoided. They can strip the skin of natural oils.

Allergens that may worsen itching include pollen, pet dander, and dust mite droppings. If you’re unsure whether allergens may be contributing to your itching, your doctor may refer you to an allergist for patch testing, also known as contact dermatitis testing.

2. Keep Your Skin Moisturized

In people with eczema, the skin’s protective barrier is compromised. A damaged skin barrier leads to transepidermal water loss, or the loss of water through the skin. Eliminating dryness and keeping the skin hydrated is the most important part of stopping the itch-scratch cycle.

Dry skin is itchy skin. Moisturizers (also known as emollients) are meant to keep skin well moisturized. Emollients reduce dryness by forming a thin layer that helps repair the skin barrier, preventing the loss of water. Some emollients are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.

Read more about the best moisturizers for eczema.

3. Wear the Right Clothing

Some materials can cause irritation. Stiff, coarse fibers like wool can rub against the skin and leave it itchy and raw, while synthetic materials can make skin feel hot and itchy. Friction caused by loose threads and rough seams can also be a problem.

Opt for softer fibers like cotton to prevent itchiness and irritation in eczema. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and dressing in layers can also help you avoid friction and overheating, both of which can start the itch-scratch cycle.

4. Use Sun Protection

Staying out of the sun can help prevent eczema flare-ups for some people. As one MyEczemaTeam member wrote, “After being in the sun for a couple of hours, I get an angry rash on my legs. I just came in from gardening, and my arms and legs are breaking out. The itch is awful.”

If you can’t avoid the sun entirely, take care to apply a generous layer of sunscreen to all exposed skin before heading outside. The National Eczema Society recommends applying sunscreen in gentle, downward motions because rubbing it in may cause itching. Mineral-based sunblocks that contain substances like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be less irritating to the skin for people with eczema because they contain fewer chemicals.

5. Take Eczema Baths and Soaks

Soaking in a warm (not hot) bath is one of the most common ways to help relieve itching. Several members have shared how baths and soaks help them find relief. One said, “I make my own bath melts with four ingredients because less is more. I use coconut oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and juniper.”

Several ingredients can be added to baths to help manage itching with eczema.

Colloidal Oatmeal Baths

Oatmeal baths are an at-home treatment some people use to soothe their itchy skin. Colloidal oatmeal, in particular, is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a skin protectant. This oatmeal derivative can help soothe itchy skin caused by eczema. Its antioxidants can help lessen inflammation and itching. They also help cleanse the skin while maintaining its natural pH balance and protecting the skin barrier.

Bleach Baths

A bleach bath contains a small amount of extremely diluted household bleach. Bleach baths can help reduce bacteria on the skin, which may ease eczema symptoms like itchiness and irritation.

Tub time should be limited to five to 10 minutes — soaking for any longer may cause discomfort. Bleach can dry and irritate the skin, so before you try a bleach bath, it’s crucial to speak with a dermatologist.

6. Reconsider Your Soaps

Because of its harsh ingredients, traditional soap is one of the most common irritants for people with eczema. Gentle cleansers should be used rather than soaps, and you should avoid scrubbing. When choosing cleansers and other bath items, look for dye-free, fragrance-free products. Avoid waterless, antibacterial cleansers, as these options usually contain alcohol and other solvents that are especially tough on the skin.

Many brands now advertise being made for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Also, syndet (synthetic detergent) cleansing bars have been recommended for people with eczema. These soaps have a neutral or slightly acidic pH, which makes them less irritating to the skin.

7. Take Medications as Prescribed

Some doctor-recommended medications may help stop the itch-scratch cycle. Some, such as topical corticosteroids, are available over the counter. Higher concentrations may be available with a prescription. As always, speak with your doctor before trying any new medication for your eczema.

Steroidal or nonsteroidal topical anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce skin inflammation and ease itching. Oral systemic antihistamines haven’t been shown to stop the itch, but they may help you sleep, reducing nighttime scratching.

If topical and over-the-counter choices aren’t working to reduce your symptoms, your doctor may recommend prescription medications. Newer FDA-approved options for moderate to severe disease and itch control include both biologics and JAK inhibitors. Biologics are medications made from living organisms that are injected under your skin. They’re designed to target certain proteins, which stops your immune system from responding, calming your itchiness.

JAK inhibitors come in both oral and topical forms to treat more severe eczema. They work by stopping the signals that cause inflammation.

8. Use Wet Wrap Therapy

Wet wrap therapy has been known to work wonders for some people’s intense pain or severe itching. This approach may help calm and rehydrate the skin. It may also help topical medications work more effectively.

Talk with a healthcare provider about how to apply the wet wraps. Their application depends on the location of the itch and whether you’ll be applying a topical medication.

9. Moisturize Your Air With Humidifiers

Dry air, which has low humidity, draws out moisture from the skin and can aggravate eczema symptoms such as itching. Humidity is especially low in many parts of the country in the winter, when temperatures and atmospheric moisture fall. People often crank up the heat indoors as the weather gets cold, so the air becomes even drier.

Humidifiers put moisture into the air. It’s not been proven that humidifiers help people with eczema, but some members have found them helpful for their symptoms. Placing a bowl of water in the rooms you frequent can help increase humidity if using a humidifier isn’t possible.

10. Learn Psychological Techniques

Certain hormones are released during stressful situations. These hormones may affect a person’s mental health and may also trigger the itch-scratch cycle. It’s been suggested that emotional upset and stress may trigger eczema and even keep some of the most effective eczema medications from working.

Some people find it helpful to keep a symptom diary to pinpoint emotional triggers. Others find it helpful to practice relaxation and mindfulness techniques, like meditation and yoga.

Talk With Your Doctor

If you find yourself in the midst of the itch-scratch cycle, talk to your dermatologist. They can help you find safe remedies that provide relief but don’t cause negative interactions.

Join the Conversation

On MyEczemaTeam, people share their experiences with eczema, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What treatments and techniques have you tried for eczema itch? Let others know in the comments below.