What is your itch tip?

In Their Own Words

NEA asked “What is your itch tip?” on facebook.  Here’s what people had to say:

RC Always wear cotton, keep moist, and rub instead of scratching your skin.

JR Smack it, don’t scratch it! (stolen from friends with tattoos). You get a sensation, but you’re not ripping flakes of skin off in the process.

MT Frogg toggs cooling towel

ET I try to avoid sweating at all costs, and rub instead ofscratching.


MC Avoid getting stressed, and rest.

WK Cosvate-GM cream. For the past eleven years I’ve tried all sorts of creams/ointments, but this one proves to clear the ugly crust in my hands, plus I don’t itch anymore.

MS I always have moisturizer with me.


MM Keep busy, distracted, and hands occupied :)

MF Pure and unrefined evening primrose oil supplement. it has made a huge improvement!

TB We use “boo boo” packs, which are ice packs with terry cloth covers on them so the ice pack won’t directly touch the skin. When they get hot, all bets are off. cool them down and it helps. Also, we gently “slap” the itch instead of scratching.

HS pour cold water over the itch.

RB moisturize, use appropriate prescribed cream and sometimes antihistamine. pat it, don’t scratch it. and always wear 100% cotton clothes. We use dermalogica barrier repair moisturizer on our three-year-old’s face, and this has helped reduce severity and length of flare-ups and how often they occur.

JE Aloe. My daughter loves putting it on herself and it soothes eczema straight away.

VD Bath and moisturizer with avène cream.

SR Ice.


IM Keeping my nails filed.

TL Vegan soap, eucerin cream (I keep it in the fridge so it’s nice & cold), antihistamines, taking internally and applying fish oil omega 3 supplements directly to the skin. And stay busy, get your mind off of the itching if you can.

BS A cold damp washcloth.

AM A bath with apple cider vinegar.

RE Moisturize-moisturize. Ice for unbearable itching and burning. Find and address your triggers. Always ask your doctor before starting any treatment program.

Join the conversation with people who understand.

NEA on facebook: facebook.nationaleczema.org

NEA’s online support community (private and confidential): community.nationaleczema.org