Category Archives: ScratchMeNot Blog

Dry Brushing For Eczema

Dry brushing for eczema and other exfoliating techniques have become an essential piece of eczema care. We are finding that using this dry brush technique increases blood flow and circulation to the skin which can lead to easy detoxing, removal of dead skin cells, and better absorption of moisturizers. After more research, here’s what I’ve found. Skin Detox Keeping […]

Fighting Bug Bites The Natural Way

Image by JJ Harrison (jjharrison89@facebook.com)

One of the things we often overlook during the warm months is bug bites. Kids with allergies seem to react more intensely to big bites than other might, and the itching, scratching, discomfort, inflammation, and infections can all make things worse. The catch-22 seems to be that many of the bug repellent products on the […]

Teaching Kids To Screen Foods

Most parents who have children with allergies are used to monitoring the foods their child eats and setting boundaries so that their child doesn’t get anything they shouldn’t – but what happens when parents can’t be around all the time? Many parents find that they take such excellent care of their child’s special needs that […]

Breastfeeding : Allergies, Eczema, and Immunity

When babies are born their systems have little to no idea about the many allergens and toxins in the world they now live in. Nursing is a great way for mom’s immune system to train the baby’s about just how to deal with everything from ragweed and pollen to infections and the common cold. Because […]

pH and Eczema

As we learn more and more about diet, we’re finding that the pH of the body may just have a huge influence on the health of the immune system – which relates directly to eczema. New findings suggest that an acidic pH could lead to greater inflammation, hyperactive immune responses, and less effective self-healing – […]

DIY All-Natural Skin Moisturizers

When it comes to dry, itchy, flaking, or irritated skin, a deep moisturization can sometimes bring a huge amount of much needed relief. The problem is that applying common moisturizers and lotions can also bring chemicals, allergies, and flare-ups. This week I’d like to introduce you to some truly all-natural DIY home remedies for hydrating, […]

Herbal Poultice Recipes For Eczema

One of the most effective things that healing herbs can be used for is to treat inflammation and soothe the skin. A poultice is an easy way to apply the healing properties of a plant to the skin in the easiest and most hassle free way, and it’s a great option for people who want […]

How To Get EpiPens with $0 Co-Pay

Epipens have been in the news lately as schools are rethinking the role of stocking epinephrine and administering it, and we’ve been keeping a close watch on the story. We’ve compiled a great list of resources for you to learn more about EpiPens and your local schools which will appear at the end of this post. In the meantime, […]

Spring Allergies And Eczema

Did you know that there may be a very profound connection between long-term eczema and seasonal springtime pollen allergies? When spring breezes come in and the pollen from trees, and flowers takes to the air, many families find that eczema symptoms get worse – but what’s the correlation? The Eczema State When a child suffers from eczema, […]

Helping Parents Who Help Heal Kids

If you’re a regular visitor to the ScratchMeNot blog, you know that we spend a lot of time looking at ways to help combat allergies, eczema, and other sensitivity issues in our children. One thing we don’t get to talk about very much, however, is the caretakers! Today, we’re celebrating the parents, grandparents, and others […]

Sunscreen and Skin Sensitivity

It’s that time of year again when we need to start looking at sun protection. As the days get longer and hotter, it’s more important than ever that we make sure that the sun doesn’t add to allergies and other skin sensitivities we’re already dealing with. The good news is that there are more options than ever […]

Pets, Eczema, and Allergies

There is little else that brings a smile to the face of a child than a family pet. Animals are known to be extremely therapeutic for children, and they are a great way for kids to learn compassion, responsibility, and nurturing. Most every kid loves being around dogs, cats, and other family pets, but what […]

Common Spring Allergies In Children

Spring is upon us once again, and it’s time for kids and families to step back outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Playgrounds and backyards will soon be buzzing with the sound of happy kids in play, and the world around us will transform into blankets of color and fragrance. As beautiful and magical as […]

Eczema And Teething

It may sound odd, but many parents experience a spike in their children’s eczema when teething begins, and chances are it’s not just coincidental. Teething is an extremely important part of any child’s growth. It symbolizes that their body is becoming ready to digest new foods and work towards a more complex diet with greater […]

Oils And Allergies

In order for the brain to function properly it needs a variety of fats – and we’re hearing a lot about omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids these days. Many people have found that the right balance of omegas and other fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, calm depression, and relieve behavioral imbalances – […]

How To Educate About Allergies

If you have a child with allergies, sensitivities, or special needs, you may have noticed that sometimes it can be hard to get friends, family, and caregivers all on the same page without lots of hassle and confrontation. Taking time to talk to every single person about your child’s situation can be exhausting, and it can even make your […]

Allergy Free Breakfast

Experts agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for kids and adults alike, but what do you do when your child is sensitive or even allergic to many of the common grain, nut, and dairy based breakfast items? The good news is that there are many healthy, simple, tasty things you […]

Cleaning Without Itching – Allergen Free Soaps & Detergents

Did you know that soaps and detergents play a huge role in the treatment of eczema and other skin conditions? It’s pretty much impossible to get through life without using soaps, so making the right choices can make the difference between soft and itch-free skin and skin that’s simply causing problems. Allergen free soaps are […]

Soy Milk Alternatives

soy milk alternatives

Many families work hard to avoid dairy milk due to sensitivities, allergies, inflammatory issues, or a dislike of the taste or texture. We are so fortunate because the market right now provides us with  many alternatives that seem to be healthier. Soy milk is one of the most popular cow’s milk alternatives, but what can […]

Foods That Heal

One of the simplest ways to help keep inflammation, infection, food sensitivity, and mood swings at bay is to add healing herbs and spices to your family’s diet. This is a great option because most recipes already call for some variety of herbs and spices, and it’s simple to add more once you know the […]

Stress & Scratching

When dealing with eczema and its many symptoms, parents are often looking most intensely at the foods, products, and irritants in their children’s lives that may be causing the problem. This is great and it usually leads to some very interesting finds, but did you know that the state of your child’s mind can actually […]

The Symptoms Of Photoaggravated Eczema

Diagnosing and understanding the particular type of eczema, skin allergy, or other skin illness your child deals with can be a struggle. It can take working with several doctors, allergists, dermatologists, pediatricians, and dietitians before you finally get the answers you need and the healing your child deserves. For many parents, however, the process doesn’t stop there. […]

Photoaggravated Eczema

One of the most mysterious and most troublesome forms of eczema to deal with is photoaggravated eczema. In this specific type of skin condition, the usual type of eczema is caused by, worsened by, or aggravated by the presence of sunlight or other types of full spectrum lighting. This condition is most common among children although many adults live […]