Originally published on Substack.
“Stop Scratching!” No seriously, “Stop Scratching!”
How many times have you said this to yourself or to a loved one who is suffering from eczema?
The phrase “Easier Said Than Done” does not do this command enough justice. The itching causing the scratching is absolutely tortuous and something most wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy.
Have you ever heard eczema being described as “the itch that rashes?” Or some variation of eczema being a cycle of “Itch-Scratch-Rash-Itch-Scratch-Rash.” Simply put, without the itch and scratch there is no rash.
Let me rephrase that: Stop itching and scratching and your eczema is cured!
Again, it is just not that easy! However, it is very important for me to highlight to you that the root cause of eczema is itching and scratching for 2 major reasons:
Once you start itching and scratching, the vicious eczema cycle is ignited. Your skin, arguably your body’s most important immune barrier, is further broken down leading to many factors that keep the itch going. Bacteria thrive in these broken areas of skin. Furthermore, your body is more likely to react to environmental exposures leading to the development of more allergies and sensitivities. As a result, chemicals that cause even more itch are released and more scratching ensues. Thus, this incapacitating cycle becomes seemingly endless for many patients.
Thus, doubling down and doing everything in your power to control the itching and scratching is key. Once the eczema cycle is slowed or halted, healing can take place and you’re one gigantic step forward toward eczema control.
