If you have symptoms of eczema, it can be hard not to scratch the dry, itchy areas of skin. Scratching is an understandable urge, but it can lead to more irritation — which makes you scratch again. This is the itch-and-scratch cycle of eczema. Here’s how to break the cycle, according to the eczema experts at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center (NJMRC).

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Eczema flare-ups begin with dry, itchy, sensitive skin. That’s why the first principle of eczema management is keeping your skin well hydrated. Hydrate is a better word to use than moisturize, because dry skin doesn’t lack natural oils — rather, it has trouble retaining water throughout the day.

To restore water to dry skin, hydrate by soaking in a lukewarm bath for 10 to 15 minutes. (Longer, hotter baths can make you perspire, so you lose more water than you gain.) Then pat dry with a soft towel and immediately apply an emollient, such as petroleum jelly, to help trap water in your skin. Water starts to evaporate from your skin within about 3 to 5 minutes, so don’t delay applying the emollient.

Most health care providers recommend bathing at least once daily to keep skin hydrated — just don’t forget the emollient afterward. Some people make the mistake of using an emollient without soaking first. This keeps skin from losing more water, but it doesn’t replace the water already lost. Applying a moisturizing cream three or four times a day can also help keep your skin moist and healthy.

If your skin feels particularly dry and itchy, you may benefit from adding oatmeal or baking soda to the bathwater. These ingredients may help soothe irritated skin. The NJMRC recommends against adding bath oils to the tub while you soak. Bath oils may make you feel good, but they don’t help your skin. If anything, they give you a false sense of confidence.

If your doctor has prescribed a topical (applied to the skin) medication such as a hydrocortisone or steroid cream, the best time to apply it is right after bathing. When skin is well hydrated, it can absorb the greatest amount of medicine. Once you’ve applied your cream or ointment, use your emollient to help seal in the moisture from the bath, and also seal in the medication.

Wet wraps

Another way to get the most out of your topical medication is to try a wet wrap, a damp layer of clothing worn close to the skin to enhance water absorption after a bath. Think of a wet wrap as one more level in the skin hydration process. You can soak for a while, pat dry, apply a topical medication, seal it in with an emollient, and then wrap yourself in a damp layer of clothing to increase the amount of water and medicine that makes its way into your skin. Wear clothing that fits whatever part of the body you need to treat — an old pair of pajamas, sweatpants and sweatshirts, or tube socks (for hands and feet). For your face, try a washcloth, cutting out holes for your eyes and mouth. Always cover a wet wrap with dry clothing or blankets so you don’t get chilled.

While wet wrapping is a little extra work, it’s a proven method of controlling persistent or severe eczema symptoms. Researchers at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany, found that wet wraps markedly improved severe eczema in adults and children, and the benefits lasted long after the wet wrap treatments ended. Wet wraps also help reduce Staphylococcus bacteria infections, according to the same study. Long-term use of wet wraps may actually lead to certain other kinds of skin infections, however. Talk to your doctor before trying wet wraps, and keep him or her posted on your progress.

Whatever type of medication your doctor prescribes for your eczema, proper skin care is always your first line of defense against this chronic condition. By keeping your skin hydrated and healthy, you can reduce itching and help avoid more severe eczema flare-ups. Take the time to maintain a good skin care regimen and address the itch-and-scratch cycle head-on.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 at 7:25 am and is filed under Skin Concerns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.