How to beat the itch and scratch cycle of eczema

Whether you are unfortunate enough to be born with the skin condition or you develop it in later life, eczema can be painful, embarrassing and debilitating.

What is eczema?

Eczema is red, flaky and itchy skin, which will often crack and weep. The most common type of eczema is atopic (caused by allergies), but people may suffer from contact eczema (flare-ups after touching allergens such as nickel or rubber), discoid (which occurs in coin-shaped patches), or seborrheic (eczema of the scalp).

Atopic eczema is in your genes, and often goes hand-in-hand with hay fever and asthma.

Although you may be genetically predisposed to eczema, it can only be set off by a trigger, which could be anything from nuts to dog hair, wool to cigarette smoke, and establishing what it is, is key to treatment.

Don't scratch

Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is vital for recovery. "Scratching may bring temporary relief to the itch, but it actually triggers the release of a chemical called histamine which just causes more itching," says Dr Rob.

Scratching damages the skin and may allow bacteria that normally lives on the surface to get in and cause infection. Keep nails short, and whenever you get the urge to have a scratch, massage the itchy area with moisturiser using the pads of your fingertips.

Slather on the cream

Most people will need to try a few treatments before they find one that works for them. The best way to treat eczema is moisturising. "You need to grease yourself up like a cross-Channel swimmer!" says GP Dr Matt Piccaver . "Cover your body with moisturiser morning and night, and keep a pot in your bag to top up during the day."

Your doctor can prescribe different emollients, but not all of them will work for everyone. Apply after a shower when the skin’s still damp to help trap in moisture. Do this rigorously, even when you don’t have symptoms.

Don’t panic if your favourite cream stops working – you may need to switch between a couple of brands.

Other treatments

For cases of severe eczema, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who can prescribe steroid cream, special bandages and wet wraps, or even ultraviolet light therapy.

Dr Rob’s best treatment for a child suffering from eczema? "

I recommend the parent gives the child a big hug to show that contact won’t hurt them. All too often people are frightened to touch sufferers because they’re worried about causing them pain, or of catching it – but eczema is not contagious," says Dr Rob.

Go natural

There are plenty of ways you can soothe your skin naturally. Make sure your sheets are cotton, which is kinder to the skin than synthetic materials – you could even try wearing cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching

Try aloe vera gel – keep it in the fridge so it’s cool and refreshing, or drink aloe vera juice. Coconut oil is favoured by many sufferers – choose an organic, cold pressed variety and rub onto damp skin.

There is often a link with your state of mind and your skin, so set aside time to relax. It is common for eczema to flare up during stressful periods, such as a break-up or starting a new job. "Find ways to reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga or therapy," says nutritionist to the stars Kim Pearson . "It’s also important to get enough sleep."

Food triggers

Food allergies or sensitivities can be a common trigger for many eczema sufferers. Cow’s milk is a well-known culprit, but other common problem foods include eggs, soya and wheat.

Kim Pearson suggests considering a food elimination diet, which involves cutting  out common trigger foods for a period of time and then gradually reintroducing them to see if they cause a flare-up.

"Certain foods can promote inflammation – it’s worth trying to reduce your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and highly processed and deep-fried foods," she says. Keep a symptom and food diary to see if you can establish any links between what you eat and the state of your eczema.

For happy skin, make sure you eat plenty of foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, flaxseeds and walnuts. "Opt for low glycemic, whole carbohydrate sources such as oats, quinoa and sweet potato, as well as low-sugar fruits such as berries, apples and pears," says Kim. All types of eczema can potentially be improved by changes in diet.