Eczema is often referred to as "the itch that rashes" because the itching usually comes first. It may seem like semantics, but there is a lot of truth to the phrase. What comes first, the itch or the rash? In the case of eczema, it is the itch.
Let me rephrase that: breaking the itch-scratch cycle is one of the biggest steps you can take toward calming your eczema.
Again, it is just not that easy! However, it is very important for me to make sure my patients understand the significance the scratching has on perpetuating the rash and continuing the eczema cycle. Feeling itchy and scratching is not just a symptom of the rash, but a major cause of it. It is critical that we treat the itch aggressively in order to treat eczema effectively. Not just to make you feel better (a very worthy goal in and of itself!), but to break the itch-scratch cycle that perpetuates eczema.
There are many treatments for eczema and it can be overwhelming for many patients. It is important to work with a physician to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that treats current flares, prevents future ones and always keeps the itch in mind. Ask your doctor how you can treat your itch, in the context of your specific medical history, in addition to your rash. A special shout-out to wet wrap therapy as an effective way to treat both the itch and rash of eczema. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post highlighting this treatment technique specifically!
The take home point: If we want to prevent and treat eczema, we need to prevent and treat the itch!
