Why Does Eczema Itch?

Delving into the Intricacies of Eczema Itch: Unraveling the Relentless Urge to Scratch

The enigma of eczema, often dubbed as the "itch that rashes,

" captivates both scientists and sufferers alike. If you find yourself among the staggering 31 million Americans entangled in the web of this chronic inflammatory skin condition, the incessant itch is undoubtedly etched into your reality. While eczema can manifest in dry and flaky skin, it is the relentless, gnawing itch that truly takes center stage. According to the esteemed National Eczema Association,

Eczema can leave skin dry and flaky, but it’s that gnawing itch that’s so hallmark; in fact, itchiness is the most common eczema symptom there is, according to the National Eczema Association. If you feel it, you’re not alone. Some 86% of adults with moderate atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) reported daily mild itch, while 60.5% of adults reported severe or unbearable itch in the past two weeks.

Eczema itch can lead to rubbing, and then nails-to-skin scratching, which can provide split-second relief, but ultimately makes the itch worse. There’s even a term for it—pruritus, which is the unpleasant sensation on the skin eliciting the desire to scratch. Chronic pruritus is when you have daily or almost daily itching that lasts more than six weeks.

itchiness reigns as the reigning monarch of eczema symptoms, reigning supreme in its ubiquity. The profound solidarity in this experience is evident, with a staggering 86% of adults grappling with moderate atopic dermatitis (the prevailing variant of eczema) reporting mild itch on a daily basis. Astonishingly, within the past fortnight, an overwhelming 60.5% of adults confessed to enduring severe or unbearable itch, establishing the far-reaching grasp of this maddening sensation.

The insidious itch of eczema often sets off a precarious chain reaction, prompting the primal urge to rub and subsequently compelling one to scratch,

even if just for a fleeting moment of respite. Alas, this paradoxical relief swiftly transmogrifies into an exacerbation of the tormenting itch. Such is the gravity of this phenomenon that pruritus,

a term specifically coined to encapsulate the unpleasant sensation on the skin that tantalizingly beckons scratching, emerges as a testament to its significance. Should the itch persist, infiltrating one's daily existence for a duration exceeding six agonizing weeks, it transcends into chronic pruritus—a formidable force to reckon with.

So why does eczema itch?

“Itch is a very complex biological process, and that is true for eczema,” explains Christopher G. Bunick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. In order to understand why eczema itches and to learn some tried-and-true techniques for stopping the itch, we tapped into the expertise of top dermatologists. This is what they had to say.

And so, the ever-present inquiry lingers: Why does eczema unleash such an irresistible itch?

Embarking on a quest to unravel the intricate nature of this biological puzzle, we turn to the wisdom of Christopher G. Bunick, M.D., a distinguished board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the prestigious Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. Dr. Bunick, amidst his extensive expertise, asserts that itch transcends the boundaries of simplicity, donning a cloak of complexity even within the realm of eczema.

To unearth the elusive truths surrounding the maddening itch and glean insights into effective strategies for quelling its wrath, we sought counsel from the crème de la crème of dermatological specialists. Herein lies their illuminating discourse, illuminating the path to relief from eczema's relentless itch

What stops eczema from itching?

To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care measures:

Take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication. ...

Take a bleach bath. ...

Apply an anti-itch cream or calamine lotion to the affected area. ...

Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. ...

Avoid scratching. ...

Apply cool, wet compresses. ...

Take a warm bath.

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