Pruritus, often known as itchy skin, can be a chronic problem for certain people.
When the skin’s cells identify a foreign substance, they set off a chain reaction that results in inflammation. A person’s immune system can mount a defense against everything from a minor skin ailment to a chronic illness.
Not all rashes are the same; some cause just mild discomfort, while others can spread and leave behind painful blisters or raw patches.
This can lead to itching.
You’re ready to get to the bottom of itchy skin. So, what’s next? The picture is quite overwhelming as there are shelves full of creams that promise healing and comfort, alternative diets, and even a host of steroids to repair the skin. While you’ll need to find a regimen that works for your little one, there’s one thing you may be overlooking.
Before I give you this effective and essential step, you may be surprised what it is. It may seem like the wrong thing to do first, but time will show you how essential this step is. So here we go!
1: Cover those scratching fingers as quickly as possible! There’s no need to focus on cream, medication, or diet alone because scratching will undo any progress you’ve made. Keep their fingernails cut low and cover them as needed.
Prepare with the end in mind
For serious healing for your child’s skin, use these tips to heal from the inside out for long-term results.
- Eczema or atopic dermatitis is often a symptom or the body’s cry for help. One of the top triggers for eczema is a food allergy/sensitivity. There is usually a slow improvement of eczema. However, those who suffer from eczema should take extra precautions because they are more prone to developing secondary skin infections.
Managing or preventing eczema flares can be managed by the use of creams, natural products, and changes to one’s diet and way of life, especially in the wintertime when symptoms are more severe. Although there is currently no known cure for eczema, natural treatments can help alleviate symptoms and control outbreaks.
- Add some moisture to the air! Skin can become dry when exposed to warm, dry air.
The transition from summer’s warm and humid air to winter’s cooler and drier air is a major cause of itchy skin. In the dry winter air, running a humidifier at night while you sleep is a terrific way to restore your skin’s natural moisture.
Extremely dry skin needs additional moisture, due to the breaks in the skin it has a hard time retaining moisture. A cool mist vaporizer helps keeps the skin’s moisture in a healthy range. Also, by lowering the temperature and utilizing a humidifier, you can keep your home comfortable.
- Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. Even though it’s common sense to use a moisturizer, there are a few techniques to remember. To begin, it’s best to put it on after a quick shower.
A good rule of thumb: only use simple, easy-to-read ingredients. Apply moisturizers after every diaper change to keep the skin healthy. Test any creams in a small area for 24 hours. We know this is a pain in the butt, however, sometimes reactions aren’t immediate. Better safe than having a whole body flare. In the event that there is a reaction, you can easily narrow down which ingredient caused it. Just because it says “all-natural” doesn’t mean it is, double check the ingredients.
- Re-think medication. Some doctors are quick to prescribe medication, especially steroids because they work…for a while. Yet, a vicious cycle may occur. Mild steroid use stops being as effective, requiring a stronger prescription to get the same results, over time causing the prescription to become stronger and stronger. There becomes a higher chance of long-term side effects, steroid rejection & withdrawal. This step is critical for long-term health without the need for stronger steroids being the only or main solution.
If you find yourself in this cycle, consider reducing steroid usage to determine what’s causing itchy eczema. There’s a span of time that’s uncomfortable and itchy, using scratching protection bridges this gap as you determine how to soothe the skin without steroids.
Necessary Bonus
- Be creative in redirecting a scratching moment. While it’s easy to say ‘Stop scratching’, think of ways to calm the itch and redirect. Have creams and salves nearby, cool baths, summer pool time, heavily moisturize, cover, and protect damaged skin that’s prone to crave a quick scratch. Try coloring, painting, outdoor activities, and going for a walk as ways to switch the focus from scratching.
By doing the above, you’re helping break the ‘Scratch–Itch Cycle’.
Allow the skin to heal uninterrupted
Think of ScratchMeNots as a healing and scratch-free tool. They are the first step to gaining relief for your little one and the peace that your family needs (even sleep!). This gives (gifts) you time to research the best routine and treatment without the worry of skin damage. You can control scratching episodes and save your little one from unnecessary pain. The best part about ScratchMeNots is that they stay on all day if desired, as the mittens open and close as needed. They allow the fine gross motor to develop by keeping the mittens open. When a scratching moment comes, easily flip the mittens closed. They’re easy for parents to put on, yet hard for children to take off.