I am a self harmer. There I’ve said it, and you know what? I enjoy doing it. If you don’t have eczema you don’t know what I mean. It’s not like scratching a bite, I’ve had those. I can just ignore insect bites, they don’t bother me at all because I am a pro at ignoring the complete all consuming incessant itch of eczema.
Think of a mosquito bite and mutliply it by ten. No twenty times. No, it’s more like fifty times as itchy. It goes so deep inside your body you have to scratch really hard to relieve it.
And it feels soooo good. The feeling of a really good, hard long scratch, the kind that leaves scabs pouring with blood and my skin red, raw and damaged and my finger nails caked in blood and filled with dry skin under the nails, is almost orgasmic.
But when I have scratched deep and long the damage is shocking.
And pretty disgusting. I disgust myself.
Sometimes I create deep gashes with a sharp bit of nail which look like a knife cut.
I scratch when it itches, but sometimes I scratch out of pure habit. I’m not even itchy but my finger nails go searching for any raised bump, lump or scab to tear or rip or dig at.
I know this damages my skin but in my mind it’s almost as if my brain tells me, if I can clear the skin of all these scabs and hives and prurigo nodules the skin will be flat and clear below. Of course this is not the case. I don’t think many scabs have healed naturally on my body and fallen off when they were ready.
They are itching as well, they are itching now even as I write this blog but in the interests of skin preservation and fighting the urge. Going for bit of skin stroking instead, but every time you obey that instict to reach and touch the itch there is a huge change the stroke or press will turn into a full blown scratch.
I also try to apply moisturiser when it’s itchy but this is not always possible and in itself often turns into a scratch fest…
A recent article I read on The National Eczema Society website, Lulu Haggans story about her life with eczema and trying to help her daughter through it too. She urges others “to take part in spreading the word on Say No to ‘No Scratching’ and give each other permission and credit that we know what we are doing, that sometimes we really cannot help it, and that we are not here to judge anyone at all. Ever.
And quite astonishingly you only have to type in, ‘is scratching e…’ for google to self populate suggestions of what you might be looking for – the first to pop up being, amazingly, ‘is scratching eczema self harm?’.
This is obviously something many people have been thinking and googling about.
And when you think about it, it is a form a self harm. And it’s something I think I am addicted to doing.
I know I shouldn’t be doing it and my husband is forever digging me in the ribs or grabbing my hands and saying, “Stop scratching”. or “Stop doing that.” but I can’t.
I scratch because I itch. I don’t want to be scratching but I just can’t stop.
And holding my hands so I can’t is pretty much torture. I HAVE to scratch or I will go insane.
My top 10 stop scratching tips
Most of the time I have techiques to reduce the damage done including:
- Wearing tights and/or other tight clothing so that I can’t get to the itch easily, the barrier makes me stop and think and try harder not to give in and scratch
- Keeping my nails really, really short and filed smooth so that I can’t do so much damage
- Stroking the area or pressing hard on it with a finger tip or nail
- Holding something hot on it, running very hot water on my hands or soaking in a really hot bath
- Wearing cotton gloves – probably the least successful as I just pull them off in my sleep
- Stay cool, make sure you don’t get over heated, especially in bed as that way leads to scratching
- Wear cotton night clothes
- Always apply plenty of emollient before going to bed, even if your skin feels OK. It’s often too late when you wake in the night itchy because your skin is now dry and tight and sore
- Use a body brush to slough off dead skin. The bristles are soft enough that you can get a bit of a scratch in without damaging your skin. Not a good idea on already broken skin though…
- Take antihistamines and cool with an ice pack when it’s really hot and itchy
But sometimes I just have to scratch. I go and hide in toilet rooms or sneak upstairs to the bedroom, shut the door and SCRATCH. Till it bleeds. Till it’s hurting really bad. Then I apply tea tree, aloe vera and loads of emollient, cover up and hobble back into the world of the living.
The feeling when are scratching like that is immense. I can’t describe it. And when you are exhausted and can scratch no more and you survey the damage and feel the pain, then you can stop scratching.
Having short nails does massively reduce the damage but I end up with loads of bruises, deep purple livid bruises where I’ve tried to ineffectually scratch without success, but I’ve had to try so hard, and press so hard it causes bruises.
So how do we stop this itch scratch cycle? We’ve all got to stop this self harming eczema people out there. How do you do it?
And do you think scratching eczema is like self harming?
Ooh, that sounds horrid Ruth. I get a few patches as reactions and can relate to the incessant need to scratch and the guilt and damage afterwards but nothing like yours thank goodness.
As I was reading that, I remembered P seeing one person in the clinic a few years ago who came in with really severe whole body itching that was driving them insane. They asked P for some hypnotherapy to help control the urge to scratch and it really helped him, he said. Might be worth investigating!
Someone else’s mentioned hypnotism, I think it maybe could work, but when I eat a compatriots unprocessed diet, the itch goes and my skin heals. I think with me finding out what causing the problem is the key. Easily said than done.
I have Exzema aswell, and this whole article literally has summed me up so well!
Everything I do, every thought I’ve had I can relate to so much.
I do often ask myself aswell is this a form of self harm?
Sometimes my skin gets worse as I stress more, assignments, work, everything, and as you can imagine as my skin gets worse the only way to actually feel relieved is to scratch until your arms/legs/ chest anywhere is bleeding and you sit there as you said exhausted and disgusted by what you’ve done to yourself but it felt amazingly good.
As I say this question does pop up frequently I suffer from depression, and there are many un-known and known factors as to why and my skin condition is definitely being one of them but recently discussed it’s such a relief to have some time to yourself or at the end of the day to scratch every worry, every bad thought every bad thing away, the more dead skin that comes off and falls like snow is so overpowering and it feels like a massive weight off your shoulders at the end of the day.
Also, before questions are asked I’ve never self harmed no matter how bad things have been, being as low as I am I am lucky to have friends/flatmates with me making sure I’m okay, they are the most supportive people and the best if I didn’t have them I probably would have self harmed by now, so I am quite lucky.
I can go on, but I want to hear anyone else’s thoughts are these skin conditions a form/ can be a form of self harm?
Just come across this bit of research which might explain why the itch is soooooo bad: Chronic itching, which occurs in eczema and psoriasis, appears to incorporate not just the nerve cells, or neurons, that normally transmit itch signals but also pain neurons to intensify the itch sensation. http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/25987.aspx
Oh now that makes sense… Realised I was scratching even reading this! Painkillers definitely help me. Thank you so much fir sharing this. Got to get me a copy of that paper.
I am 15 and I am a cutter. I have horrible eczema as well and I know the feeling. Sometimes I have to scratch whether I really want to or not. When I get upset, even when I was little, I would claw at my skin until blood poured out. I started cutting when I was 13 and it gave me a different sensation. One I liked better. As a person who has experienced both, I can say that scratching eczema is not self harm until it is to the point where it’s uncontrollable and gives you pleasure rather than pain
Thank you so much for your comment courtney. Scratching does give me pleasure, sometimes the feeling of really digging into the itch is amazing, but the feeling afterwards is one of disappointment and disgust at how I’ve made my skin look. Thanks so much sharing your feelings about cutting too, which I have never done, exept on a few occasions with a sharp metal comb but then, really I was attacking the eczema so it’s not quite the same. I guess with cutting you are in control and can cut when you feel safe or when you feel the need. With scratching an itch you only do it when the itch is unbearable and often also out of habit. I sometimes find myself preparing for a good scratch and stopping myself. I don’t need to, so need to try to change that habit. An interesting discussion. Thank you for sharing Courtney.
I have a lot of sympathy for you and don’t think you should feel guilty AT ALL. You have an illness and can’t help it, it’s like torture, scratching it is the only relief you can get so obviously you want to do it. I have mild seasonal Eczema (on my left arm) and remember one time when I was on holiday I woke up and my itching was intense, I scratched and what an amazing orgasmic feeling it was!!!. I have a brush I use too. It’s the best feeling ever. I used to get heat lumps in the summer and scratching those are too!!. It’s a lovely feeling but at the same time I hope one day they find a cure for Eczema.
Ah that rush, the amazing adrenalin of having a really good scratch. Nothing like it. My eczema is pretty good at the moment. I get a bit of nodular prurigo but only a few areas at the moment and I know it’s processed food and alcahol that brings it on so don’t feel any sympathy. Sometimes the gluten free bread and red wine just tastes so good. If I cut out the booze and any processed food my skin is amazing. I just wish I had the ability to actually stick to that. But hey you got to have some vices and naughty treats. My best advice to anyone struggling with this is keep finger nails filed smooth and short. Long or jagged nails can do nasty damage in no time. Thanks so much for the comment. Makes a lonely eczema blogger’s day all worthwhile.
Ruth you are not alone me and my mom have psoriasis. Unfortunately this is a skin cancer in which there is no cure. Fortunately psoriasis cannot kill as your skin simply heals itself unlike other cancers which damage your body parts that your body can’t heal. In the past the itching was so bad it took over my whole bad. I took showers in scalding hot water and felt a surge of satisfaction shoot strait to my head it felt amazing. After my shower my skin was sore and hurt. The do make lotions specifically for psoriasis by the way it don’t work lol. The best lotion I use is a lotion with cortisone which is a steriod. Also when I break out I avoid red meats and caffeine okay I do drink coffee in the morning lol but that’s it. I sleep with cooling mattresses and pillows keeping my skin cool because heated areas like a hot room or bed will irritate the psoriasis making you itch. I have had a cortisone shot before which will ease it a lot in severe conditions but this is a battle we will deal with for the rest of our life. Stay strong any method you find keep using. Thankfully my break outs only occur usually once a year. It felt so great to read your story now I don’t feel so alone 🙂 Thank You
I too enjoy the hot showers, weird isn’t it? The itch is so all consuming that almost the pain is preferable. And I think it’s fine to use steroids to keep eczema and psoriasis at bay, waiting till it’s a massive flare up just damages the skin anyway from scratching so steroids used sensibly are a better choice for me. Interesting about caffeine. I steer clear too but what would life be like without the odd coffee? All great advice, temperature extremes can wreak havoc in moments. I’ve discovered merino wool recently too, amazingly warm and not itchy at all. Thanks for the comment. It makes a lonely eczema blogger feel so happy 😉
I also have highly severe eczema (though not to the point of self harm), and none of the Triamcinalone creams worked. They boosted my dose and it was like a miracle. The eczema went poof! Lol. But anyway, about hot showers. I love them too, but one thing I’ve discovered is that they make my skin incredibly itch and red, so what i do just before getting out is turn the water down to cold and then put my head under it. The cold water running over your scalp feels great, and it also cools down my skin and wakes me up. Highly recommend.
Such a great tip! End showers with a blast of cold water. Really calms the skin. Works for me too, but I do love a really hot bath and sometimes a hot shower but the shower for some reason can trigger an itch attack
I have chronic eczema all over, severe asthma, and I am hypersensitive, so I carry an epi-pen. I well and truly have and understand the urge to hack at my ugly skin until it pours blood. I have all the lotions, potions, bandages, creams, pills, books psychiatrists, dermatologists, nothing/no one knows or can solve it. What really sickens me though is the way people look at you and they think that I can’t hear them but I can, with their snotty whispering. I just can’t cope anymore with the fear of dying from an allergic reaction/asthma attack/suicide… Alexandra xxxx
Oh Alexandra, I have just read your comment and you have brought a tear to my eye because I know your pain. I have been there. At the Anaphylaxis Conference recently one of the presentations was about the fear and depression that some people have because of their or their child’s condition. It can feel completely crippling I know. I don’t know how to help you or what to suggest. I have found so much calm and release in later years, which is why I write my blog. I do get flare-ups but I feel I have learnt to live with my skin and to feel like I am more in control of this horrible condition than it is controlling me but it has teken me years to get here. Keep on trying. Keep on pushing for your answer. The thing with eczema is that we are all different and what helps me may not help you and I know for sure that what makes mine worse is depression, stress and the way my brain works, telling me I am ugly etc. It is destructive and unhelpful. I would be happy to chat with just a fellow eczema hater but I am not a trained doctor, psychiatrists or dermo. I don’t know if I can help at all. Have you tried Pure Potions Skin salvation? Have you tried Protopic? Have you tried an elimination diet? NOT for the faint hearted… Please let me know if I can help. You can find my email in the contact section. Thinking of you and sending calming itch free thoughts your way.
Thank you, Ruth, for being so open about how it feels to scratch–it feels like an endless cycle sometimes, and a guilty one at that.
You have really captured the pleasure/pain experience–I most often scratch when stressed, almost unconsciously; unfortunately, the stress relieve is only temporary–in fact, the scratching just adds another level of stress, self-loathing. You are only going to take off the little bits that are sticking up and loose; can’t hurt, right?!
Unfortunately, once you’ve committed to that point, it’s never enough. You say to yourself you’ll go no further, but the temptation is too great after the first strike. It’s too late–funny enough, though. . . after the scratching is over, a drug seems to set into the scratched area to give a numbing sensation–for the moment, everything seems OK.
Unfortunately, you pay later, in pain, through infection. I hate this cycle.
Your encouragement to face it gives me heart.
Kind regards,
Gordon
I use the hair dryer to burn and satisfy an itch. The numbing feeling in that moment is absolute pleasure.
Then there’s the pain, uncomfort and shame afterwards.
I want to stop, but can’t.
No amount of moisturiser or exfoliating has the same satisfaction.
Oh I’ve never tried the hair dryer before! That does sound intense, a bit like the running sore hands under really hot water option. Nothing about the pain, damage and shame makes us stop though because the itch is just too bone deep and intense to ignore.
So glad I read this. I resonate wrh everything you have said esp the orgasmic feeling when ur in the middle of scratching but the pain and disgust that u feel after I’m allergic to red wine actually and moderately to gluten among other. I find eating a relatively diet with lots of veg some seafood helps. Drinking green juices help. Not feelin upset lonely or bored also helps as I find I scratch more when feeling those.
Hi Kay, yes stress can make you scratch. I find myself scratching sometimes and I didn’t even know I was doing it. There are loads of ways of trying to ease up on the scratching. Have you read this? https://whatallergy.com/2014-06/30-tips-to-help-you-stop-scratching-eczema I find staying fit and eating a balanced healthy diet is the key for me. processed food doesn’t agree with me at all.
Hi Ruth
Your story hurt my heart to read, as I also suffer from eczema. I cannot pass up the opportunity to relate to you that eczema most definitely is rooted in self-issues. Self-hatred, self rejection, coupled with fear and rejection.
Experiencing God’s love and becoming free from these issues through His Holy Spirit is the only, only, only cure. My eczema has subsided dramatically through the years as He has brought healing to the wounds caused by the rejection of a Father, which in turn caused self-rejection and self-hatred and the consequent self-harm via eczema.
God says in His Word “Perfect love drives out fear”. Accepting Christ as your Saviour and coming to understand and experience His deep love is the only healing for our wounded spirits, hearts and bodies.
Much love
Hi Ruth
You describe my own experience perfectly. The feeling is like atleast ten orgasms and for a lot longer. This followed by guilt, shame and hopelessness.
I started scratching almost immediately as a child. I even had to be hospitalized a few times. Even though for most of my life it hasn’t been this bad the last few years has been horrible. It severly hurts every aspect of life.
I also have other issues and I’ve researched and tried to self-analyse alot. Synchronistically I was going to write something similar to the commentary before mine (minus the religion).
My parent had a personality disorder making him incapable of empathy/love. When a newborn reaches out trying to connect in love and recieves nothing back it creates the core belief that there’s something wrong with them and unworthy of love. If you have this core belief you’re set up for a difficult life and suffering. Of course it’s deeply unconscious and every one has it only in varying degrees.
It could be there’s self-loathing and the scratching is a punishment or that the scratching just brings relief to unbearable feelings of shame. It’s hard to know since there’s always layers of repression and denial.
It might sound like mumbo jumbo but I believe it’s somewhat close to the root cause. Then there is a long hard road to forgivness and self love.
My best wishes!
My eczema (just discovered to be allergy to aspirin) only started in the last few months so I had no idea at all about that level of itch. LIke the difference between headache and migraine (which I suffer from), there is no comparison with a normal itch. Orgasmic was the word I thought of too. A few times I had this start in my hands just from the pressure of using kitchen scissors or carrying a heavy bag and the itch was so all encompassing I couldn’t think what I was supposed to be doing I just had to keep scratching and the pain was pleasure. And you do it knowing you are going to pay the price. It felt like my head and chest were vibrating with nerves, I just couldn’t even think straight. I hope I’m now in recovery but it’s all new to me. I can’t imagine anyone having to cope with that level of itching for the rest of their live. My son has mild eczema and controls it very well, but I have a much deeper insight into what he’s suffered over the years and what emotional effect it has and is having on him.
Nice article which I can relate too fully. I’m sitting here at 03:33 in the morning whilst typing with one hand and scratching with the other! I suffered with eczema as a child and only had one or two minor break outs since. I’m now 25 and unfortunately my eczema is at it’s worse – it covers my whole body, even my feet. Me and my girlfriend believe it was instigated by a fabric softener that caused an allergic reaction.
As a child, i remember itching until my whole arm was covered in blood, but i don’t remember any ‘orgasmic’ feeling. I’m trying to keep myself moisturised all the time and today i’ve done well with not scratching the whole day. Unfortunately, i’ve woken up twice since going to bed due to the need to itch. At the moment i’m using coconut oil. But when moisturising you … just … can’t… help… scratching. And before you know it, a good day of not scratching turns into a 20 minute scratch-o’thon. There is definitely an ‘orgasmic’ feeling there and once you scratch you just can’t stop. It likes… the eczema on your arm knows that your leg just got a good scratching so it sends of a ‘SCRATCH ME TOO GOD DAMMIT’ signal.
Sigh.
Hi Paul, I feel your pain. Have you been patch tested? Could be worth swapping to non-biological washing powder if you haven’t already. I’m about to have patch tests done again but my eczema is so much better at the moment. It comes and goes. and yes those signals, once you’ve dealt with on itch another pops up somewhere else the little gremlins… Hope it improves soon, and try to find out what’s causing it. Stress, food? It can be anything and often lots of tiny changes can add up to a big improvements. Good luck.
Hello,
We have atopic eczema in the family. My mum ended up in the hospital with it all over her body and almost sufficated as her skin could not breath.
I had some skin problems too but not as bad as my mum.
However, the only thing that helped both of us (and got my mum out of hospital and cured her almost completely) is a LOCACORTEN TAR CREAM. It’s a heavy cream of black color that smells like tar. It’s a strong corticoid. It gets into the skin and feels like (to me) as though it is eating the eczema away. It’s like a miracle. It stops itching. It heals. It feels like heaven.
This was 15 years ago and I don’t know if the cream still exists as it helped us so much that we never needed it again but perhaps it’s worth checking.
It does work.
I really feel for you. All the best!
WOW! eating away the eczema sounds cool. I will look into this. Could have done with it a few years ago!
I know there’s a tar soap but I will definitely look for the cream.
We are the same person. .. The itch of a thousand mosquito bites, The tickle of a thousand feathers. An itch so deep i need to dig my way to China to get to it. And what is that “musy be clear skin underneath”nonsense our brains tell us? !?!? Grr. And after three and a half years and trying Damn near everything, i still haven’t found out what’s causing my eczema that flared up one night. (Although mysteriously it’s getting better. Well, for now) One suggestion, never underestimate the power of a clean wet washcloth. Exfoliates, cleans and feels amazing. Oh and calamine helps me a little. Good luck…
Yes, I live with calamine covered legs. Jason’s aloe Vera hand and body lotion helps but no matter how much cream, anti itch, aloe, Benadryl itch spray, or any other product when an itch starts nothing can stop it. I’m sitting right now with a bag of ice on my leg to stop the itch. It’s working for now
Ruth, I Googled about scratching my eczema feeling like an orgasm and came across your blog. I have suffered with the wickedness of eczema for over 30 years and nobody has ever understood how the itch feels. Everything you said is the same for me. I go back and forth constantly between a state of semi-control of the skin that is effected, to a raw, cut up, burning, oozing, scabby mess of skin. I have had patches of eczema throughout my life on different areas of my body but one consistent place on my foot that I just can’t get under control. I have tried so many creams, medicines and homeopathic treatments that only work temporarily. The thing that helps to heal the most is to just stop scratching! I’m glad I have discovered that I’m not alone with these feelings. Good luck to you.
Hi Loraine, no you are most definitely not alone. Have you tried to read the book, The Eczema Solution by Sue Armstrong? It did help me, but whilst I do agree, that the ultimate solution is to stop scratching, sometimes the itch is just so bad that you can’t. Being told to stop is just so annoying… they don’t know what it feels like. So sometimes it’s OK to scratch, because it really does take over your brain and that pain after when you have wrecked your skin? Well is’t somehow easier to bear than the itch. Stupid I know. The main thing that’s helped me is finding out which foods were causing me a problem and for that you need the help of a nutritionist of dietician who can help you plan your method, and order of foods to reintroduce after an elimination diet. Very hard work but ultimately really worth the effort. If you haven’t tried salt baths yet, I find that really helps, as does a tablespoon of tea tree oil in bath water, and also taking a look at whether your skin care products are really helping your skin heal. Lots of blogs coming up about that this year. New year, new me. Yours, thinking about an itch on my scalp and trying to ignore it. Nope… going to have to give it a little tickle. Keep trying and thanks so much for the comment. It means so much to hear that I’M not the only one too ;o)
This post has really opening my eyes to what the heck i am doing to myself. I used to be a self harmer in my early teens and thought i got over it. Clearly not.
I have incredibly bad eczema on my hands. i wish i could show a picture (without grossing people out that is) They are bright red flakey and have little spots all over them that leak fluid if you stare at them hard enough! It started of as a tiny patch on one finger that i got bleach into…from there over 3 years it has spread to over 9 of my fingers and down to my knuckles and wrist on one hand. ive been to numerous doctors who obviously give cream and say not to itch it also not to come into contact with water as this makes it worse, the cream will just make it all scab over and i’m so bad at picking at it. Itching it really does make it feel better…until a few hours later when i can hardly move my hands without tearing the skin open. I’m a mumma to 2 kids so trying not to clean up or cook or pretty much do anything with my hands is agony, scratching seems to be the only relief, and i know it makes it worse, i know in a few hours i will be close to tears while im trying to put clothes on my kids or change a nappy as the pain is unbearable and i shouldnt of scratched, but in them few minutes of scratching..its…feels worth it. like a drug! Ive woken up at night scratching with my hands covered in blood, I’ve tried sleeping with moisturising gloves on which just cause my hands to sweat more and cause more itching.
My only option is to go and get a stronger cream from the doctor, which means i will have to give up breastfeeding. But again you are right this is a form of self harm, i know its gonna hurt me in the long run so why keep doing it right?
Thanks for the article i hope i can keep from scratching…(fingers crossed..or not since that will make it itch!!)
It is so refreshing to discover that someone understands!!! I suffer from psoriasis, and I use the word “suffer” loosely because to describe the state, “suffer” doesn’t even come close. I’m miserable. I itch constantly. Constantly. Nothing stops it; not lotions, hot water, cold water, UV treatments, salves, scratching until I’m bleeding profusely…nothing.
The itch is like nothing anyone who hasn’t experienced it could ever understand. My husband, and everyone else, always say, “Stop scratching.” I finally started replying, “What do you do when YOU itch?” I could only tell my husband that the itch is more intense than being covered by mosquito bites only the bites are under your skin; deep in your skin. So when I’m scratching, I’m not even getting to the itch because I’m scratching the surface, but the itch is deep within the skin. And thus, I keep scratching until I finally feel relief in that spot. If it takes 5 seconds, so be it. If I’m completely raw in that area by the time I’m done, so be it.
I’ve improved vastly, but what non-sufferers don’t, or can’t, understand is that we can’t help it. If you itch, you scratch. And the intensity of the itch of an eczema or psoriasis sufferer can only be answered by a deep, hard scratch. And it’s near orgasmic, which my husband finds humorous and to be honest, I do too. I don’t understand it but I almost believe that if I were hooked up to an fMRI during a scratch-fest, when my itch hits that perfect plateau where it’s finally receiving relief, the same part of my brain that lights up during an orgasm, is lighting up at that moment. And this is humorous to my husband. It’s probably humorous to any non-sufferer. After all, it’s a scratch. How can a scratch compare to an orgasm? Well I can guarantee, it’s not worth all of the suffering that comes with the itching, the aftermath of the scratching, and the pain, to find out.
Thank you for being so honest and transparent in sharing your story with us.
Well I hope I can help you Ruth. Unfortunately I have about 4 skin diseases. They all include itching. Seborrheic dermatitis on scalp, atopic dermatitis which I was born with, discoid dermatitis on the bottom of my feet & now recently been diagnosed with Prurigo nodules on my hands. Wow, so fun huh? (Not) Anyway, this is what helps me…. essential oils, like peppermint mixed with jojoba oil. Always dilute this one as it can burn your skin. Abba natural no sulfate peppermint shampoo & conditioner. I’ll even put the hair conditioner on my arms & legs or where ever it itches. It feels great & you get a cooling sensation. Don’t use hot water on your skin, that will only make it drier afterwards. The drier it gets, the itchier it will get. After you’re done with your bath or shower, pat your skin dry lightly but leave some water on it, then right away slather some oil on it like jojoba oil mixed with peppermint oil or just plain jojoba, you can use pure olive oil, lavender oil, calendula oil, wheat germ oil, pure vitamin e oil, etc. After that put a thick fragrance free moisturize on like Eucurine baby, Cetaphil cream, etc. These will lock in the moisture pretty much all day long on your skin. If you take your bath or shower at night, then this will help you sleep. Always wear 100% cotton clothes, put a little peppermint oil on the heels of your feet or a little on your wrist to stay cool, rub a little in your scalp if it’s itchy, just don’t get it near eyes. Take one or two benadryll tablets before bed to help stop itching so you can sleep. Or put a little lavender oil & massage on your temples & behind your neck. This will calm you down & help you sleep. Sometimes putting an ice bag on an itchy spot helps. Take care & hope this helps!!!!
I’m sorry, I meant sometimes I’ll put the Abba hair conditioner on my arms & legs after using it on my hair when I’m in the shower, then rinse it off. I don’t use it on my skin out of the shower only when I’m in the shower. Just wanted to clear that up. I also try different things too, like pure lavender & lemon lye soap with nothing else in them. Can’t use shea butter, coconut oil or aloe vera due to a latex allergy. They make me itch, so I always have to read labels. When you feel like scratching, try to keep yourself busy so you don’t think of doing it. Go swimming, work out at your local Y, take a walk, clean your house, just try not to sit a lot or watch tv constantly because that will make you scratch when your relaxing. It does to me anyway, so if I’m moving all the time then that seems to really help.
Hello all,
I too was a self harmer, but instead of cutting, I scratched my eczema hard, until it bled. I scratched it when I was upset and I wouldn’t stop until it bled. I wanted to feel the pain that it caused me.
I had my eczema for about 3 years straight because I would not let it heal. I got my life sorted out, started moisturizing more and I also started to use a scent/ perfume free body wash and that helped immensely.
I did scratch from time to time but that was to get the orgasmic feeling that really does exist (especially when the eczema is on your tummy)!
But depending on whether you are scratching because you itch, or scratching to feel the pain, I feel, determines if you are selles harming or not.
I think you’re right, if you’re in a bad place emotionally it really can be a way of punishing yourself and your body but I really do think that the itch has a part to play. When you cut yourself there is no itch, just the feeling or thought to do it. But when you scratch eczema, sometimes the itch can be insane and not just from healing eczema. Mine has been triggered this weekend after a wedding a bit too much red wine and the scratching really does feel intense and you’re right, almost organsmic. But I don’t want to be scratching and am trying everything not to. It’s a vicious circle. ON the mend now and glad you’ve found something that helps you stay in control.
What I will say is, the PAIN is far preferable to the itch.
You may have Dermatitis herpetiformis. In three weeks of no gluten you can determine this
I am not going to lie but this post really brought me to comfort. I thought I was alone when it came to this scratching problem. So bad but so good! After that, just tons and tons of oatmeal lotion and baths needed for quick skin recovery.
Hi Isabel, no you are never alone. Always remember that. And I’m so glad you found some comfort. Have you tried Epsom salts in your bath? I find they work wonders in speeding up healing.
Holy cow, this topic makes me laugh, but I can see that for others it is no laughing matter.
I’m in my mid-30’s and have had eczema since I guess birth. It would take me too long to go into all of the treatments that didn’t really work back then, but whatever. I’m sure we can all compare lists and find many of the same things.
Anyway, though my skin issues are “kind of” improved, at least comparative to being a kid and having zero control, I am absolutely a hardcore scratcher in the highest degree. Name a sharp object – ANY object, and chances are I’ve used it or still do. I’d name some, but it would be self-indulgent and I don’t wish to give people ideas if they have an emotional component attached to it. For me, this is about ending the itch and causing visual damage to my skin to accomplish this means little to me. However – it is not a “self harm” thing. If you are scratching when you’re not itchy, then that needs to be reconciled appropriately I’d imagine. Although, I do have a nervous tick to scratch, as well. But it’s not on the same scale. If you are suffering in any way, know you have my heart.
I loooove scratching and what’s more, I’m proud of it. I grew up wrestling, am still involved in the sport and other aspects of physical fitness. I’ve always been kind of strong and you know why? Probably because I spent most of my youth stretching, twisting, and contorting to reach places to scratch.
Is scratching helpful? No – it feels good, so in that sense, it’s like a vice. It is the effect of a cause, sure, but it does not help or heal. It does damage. I get the same kind of rush scratching the author mentions, that intense wave of goosebumps and the cold sensation that tells you that you left a streak or cut into the skin a little. I love this, too.
However – I do have a remedy that may help. I should say “will” but it depends on how resourceful one is. The first is pressure. In order to avoid scratching, the author mentioned “pinching.” I do that too, but to a higher level. I use clamps intended to hold tools and wires together and just clamp an affected area. This HURTS. See, scratching is partially nerve irritation and the reason why it works is because of the temporary damage being done. Using pressure takes circulation away from the affected area, therefore the dermal nerves that are affected become inactive. This method works fast and has some staying power. You can use binder clips as a substitution, but the clamps are the top tier for this method.
MAGNESIUM OIL – Topical magnesium is recommended by me for a litany of reasons, too many to mention. Everyone should be using this, and not for eczema reasons. BUT – magnesium oil is INCREDIBLE. The thing is, it burns. Very badly. And not in a good way, not in like a “scalding hot water in the shower way.” If you are itchy, magnesium oil does not merely take away the itch – it f*****g burns like fire. It is uncomfortable. And if you have redness or scabs, you’ll want to wash it off as soon as it makes contact. BUT – it works highly efficiently in getting rid of itchiness and what’s more, it is excellent for your skin. Do some research on it. Vitamin Shoppe has it for $10.
The author mentioned ice and I wholeheartedly agree. However, I suggest using actual ice cubes and treating an itch like an injury. Don’t just apply ice for a few seconds. Take 10-15 minutes. When you are done, blood will rush to the iced area, bringing with it a little healing power. And if you’re treating your skin right with moisturizer, it might get rid of the problem for an extended period.
If you must scratch, I suggest using pretzels. This may sound silly, but snack pretzels make for a wonderful scratching tool and best of all, don’t cut you. Don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it.
Other than that, I live this life as others do. There are times when my skin has some visible damage I’m embarrassed by, but that’s a small price to pay for relief.
Showering in extremely hot water is damaging. Plus, it dries you out for next time. I think we all know this, regardless of how good it feels. The only thing is, hot water evens the playing field, so to speak. What I do, is take a hot shower, burn up my skin, and then apply my prescription ointment where it is needed. If I am going through a phase where my eczema is especially bad, this process actually works. Just make sure you use a good moisturizer on any areas without eczema damage.
Cera Ve is probably the best moisturizer you can get. It’s expensive for a moisturizer but I have to admit, it’s one of the very, very few I can say has every been helpful.
Peace to all!
This is possibly my most favourite comment ever and also very helpful with some wacky and wise suggestions I’ll be looking but scratching with pretzels? Now that takes the biscuit. Do you see what I did there?
Ha, yes I do see.
Yeah, I know- using fricking pretzels to scratch is strange. I’m well aware. Discovered this as a kid though. Not a habit of mine- I actually love pretzels and wouldn’t waste them on my skin, for crying out loud. But hey, they are a way safer alternative to other objects that do some damage.
Another quick note on the hot showers: Part of the attraction is that it closes minor abrasions, aka the “little cuts” you might have. Which is precisely why if I feel the need to take a very hot shower (which is pretty often), I make sure to use appropriate medications and moisturizers inked upon drying. In addition, I’ll also wear light long sleeves and sweat pants/pajama pants to bed.
One more suggestion: The purchase of an “Instant Ocean” or similar product. This is a mix comprised of sea salt and minerals intended for people who have salt water aquariums. But people with skin issues have seen plenty of benefits from using this method by mixing in the stuff for baths. I’ve tried this and it is definitely pretty good. If you’ve ever swam in the ocean for any period of time, undoubtedly you have seen what the ocean water is capable, but in a good way.
Ah now I swear by Epsom salt baths which must be similar to what you’re using? and despite all the advise that we eczema peeps should only have luke warms baths and showers… who they think they are? And who are they kidding? The hotter the better is just wonderous for me and seem to help my skin too. Doctors know nothing. But then we already knew that. I doubt any doctor would suggest a kid scratch with pretzels 🙂
Prolonged exposure to hot water dries skin out. BUT- that is only a legit problem if you do that and nothing else. If you’re using Epsom salt (which I heard is awesome but never tried) and applying some useful topical agent when you get out, then yes, it is highly effective. I might try that, but it’s tough for me to actually find time to take baths. Showers are just so much faster.
I want to hug you! You just put into words exactly what it’s like! I’m reading what you said, and I’m like, “wow, she totally GETS it.” Thank you for writing this.
Hi..I have had eczema and allergies all my life and have tried cortizones and clotriminazole for eczema…you name it I’ve tried it. I also love the feeling of scratching or scorching my skin with HOT water. Every year in June I get an outbreak on my fingers which usually lasts about 4 months. This year a friend of mine gave me this ointment her mom brought back from India, called Jakhme Ruz. She told me its used on burns but she said she put it on her sons eczema and it cleared up fast. So I tried it and my eczema is clearing up. I’ve been using it for 1 week now and it’s almost all gone. As soon as I feel the itchiness I apply it and try very very hard not to scratch and soon the itch subsides. I am so happy I want to tell the world of eczema sufferers about it. I hope this continues to work for me and hope it helps everyone else.
I am 19 years old and have suffered with Eczema for my entire life. I have always had it from the tops of my feet all the way up to the tops of my thighs. The ‘itch’ and ‘orgasmic feeling’ is exactly the way i’d describe it. I have found a few ways over the years to relieve and prevent some of the itch. Here they are: Filling an old, clean sock with oats and tying the end and putting it in the bath tub and squeezing the sock while you are in the bath like an oaty bath bomb (I also use an oat based soap) The water from the oats seem to moisturise and sooth. Not consuming/consuming very little dairy (especially milk, cream and ice cream). Using a cold flannel to wipe the itch when you feel it getting itchy. Not using any type of soap/washing powder with a scent. My favourite tip: I have recently started using pure coconut oil as a moisturiser straight after a shower and the benefits have been amazing! After many years of using different creams/ointments, steroids, antihistamines, my skin definitely still has its bad days but I think the most important thing is to keep the skin well moisturised and cool! I could go on forever about this topic but for now, Good Luck everyone and look after yourselves!
I completely relate to all of this. I have found an even more pleasurable way to subside the itching feeling through burning my skin though. It feels almost orgasmic when I have burned a part of my eczema to such a point that it goes numb and the itch temporarily completely goes. I usually use a hairdryer although when doing so I almost feel ashamed because nobody understands. I completely believe that in part eczema is a form of self harm. I know that I much prefer the feeling of burning my skin than the feeling of putting moisturiser on it however I know that burning my skin is not beneficial to my health. When I am in a mentally good space, where I feel happy and forfilled I will always reach for the moisturiser over the hairdryer. Yet when I am stressed and feel crappy I will always reach for the hairdryer because I know that I don’t deserve the moisturiser… if my life is a mess it’s because it’s my fault and therefor I’m not entitled to the moisturiser. This all goes on more subconsciously than anything else, but this is what I believe basically goes on with my condition anyway.
Wow Ruth,
I am 44 yr old male and have been so ashamed , I am in a similar case like you do similar things , I get it all over my scalp and find that i love shaking the flakes of my head and letting it fall on a dark pant or dark background so i can see wow how much has come of i get some satifaction in this especially when the flakes are bigger and thicker , sometimes i find when i get stressed i scratch my face and head till it bleeds ,and starts to weep , i really damage my skin and then i feel disgusted by how i look . this helps talking about this never knew there were others who did the same thing , please reply
Why do we do it though Michael? Why can’t we rationalise and be kind to our skin? Makes me so cross. Just picked a load of scabs and thoroughly enjoyed it but not wish I hadn’t 🙁
I’m glad I stumbled upon this post. Reading through it and the threads of comments is reassuring in a kind of sad way.
I’ve been dealing with atopic eczema for just about 24 years (out of 25) now, and you’d think I’d get better at handling it, but it feels just like the contrary to me. In my memories as a kid, sure, the itch was bad, and I mean waking up with blood-stained bed sheets bad, but that was all there was to my condition.
Now it feels like my eczema is wrapped up in layers and layers of self-loathing, shame, helplessness and guilt. I still scratch when it itches, that much hasn’t gone away, but I am horrified to admit that often I start scratching before it itches. I feel like a craving addict seeking the very short-lived relief of a deep scratch. It really does feel orgasmic, as unbelievable as I imagine it must sound for people who have never known it. Every time I cave in and scratch a spot, every other starts tingling with the same urge.
I find it terribly hard to see my close ones sympathize and suffer from watching me suffer, and I feel even worse at the thought that I cannot help disappointing them whenever they try really hard to help me not scratch, from suggesting this new cream to that new diet to just trying to hold my hands back until I writhe in desperate need to scratch.
It’s taken me years to truly accept that dimension of my eczema, but I do believe it’s grown into a form of self-harm to me. I do it every time I freak out, get a panic attack or a bout of anxiety, and my utter incapacity to stop myself feeds the cycle. It’s like a form of dissociation: once I’vs started scratching it sort of feels as though I was temporarily locked in my head, with no control left on my hands, until I’m a sore mess.
Even more so than the insane itching sensation itself, I think the worse burden to lug around is the constant emotional weight of that anxiety/addiction cycle. I find myself almost constantly mulling over my eczema somehow, it’s like a background chanting in my head until it blows up and I scratch.
I’ve known a year or so of remarkable improvement two years ago, and cherished all kinds of small things of daily life most people take for granted, like wearing T-shirts or dresses (and showing skin) or taking a bath, or even stretching out in the morning without feeling the pain of cracking skin. Now that my eczema has come back and spread on more than 80% of my body, including horribly self-depreciating locations such as my face, eyebrows (which have started falling out again! damn it!) and breasts, I often get pangs of guilt and panic at the idea of losing all those little things again. I want to stay brave and patient and breathe my way through until the next improvement phase, one day at a time, but honestly most days I feel way too close to relapsing into good old depression, in spite of all the love and support I’ve been given.
I can totally relate to this. I bite the skin wherever i could reach. I pour hot water over the itch, scratch with sharp and pointy things till blood flows through my hands and fingers. I never remember doing these but i only realize when i see blood on floor or clothes.In classroom i use my pen to scratch my skin through the clothes. And it is always difficult explaining these scars to others. Sometimes when i cry i scratch even on the non itchy parts too and i wont feel relieved until i see the skin bleeding. I don’t know if that is normal
Thank you for writing this. This sincerely helped me feel just a little more sane.
Jed you are not insane. Just struggling with a little known condition. No one know how to stop the itch. If they could turn off that horrible message from the brain we’d be freeeeeee
Thank you for writing this post. It’s put into words exactly what having excema is like. I love scratching myself, the shivers it sends up my spine. I love the feeling so much. I’ve had excema for 16 years now it’s a never ending nightmare. I’ve got scars all over my body that just won’t go away. My excema is so bad it has pus in it which I have to drain out. I completely get the idea that if I scratch and rip off the bumps of excema on my skin, my skin will be smooth and it’ll finally heal. I know that’s not the case, but still. I’ve found taking regular soaks in the bath really helps. Also wearing tight clothes so I can’t scratch myself. But the tight clothes thing doesn’t really work because i get stressed and my temperature rises when I can’t relieve myself of the itch. I thought I was the only one with this problem, I’m pleased to find out I’m not alone.
Oh no, Aysha, you are not alone. Try warm epsom salt baths. Work wonders for me. And since trying to avoid all processed foods I itch so much less. Good luck. And don’t feel bad about scratching. It’s not your fault. It’s just so enfuriating
I had eczema badly from being a toddler or before, (face, feet, backs of knees, insides of elbows, hands and feet, neck, ears), to some point in my 20s. with flare ups on my hands after that. Nothing to remember in the last 3o years or more. I remember the orgasmic thing – the hottest water I could bear on the area was blissful. As an adult I discovered the bliss of a comb either dug over the area, or when I oriented my thoughts differently, gently, prolonging the bliss and mimimising damage. I bit my nails, so this seemed a brilliant alternative!
I used to tie my hands to the bed, (when solo!), but I remember the devastating disappointment in the morning to find I’d somehow wriggled free from the bonds in desperation, and made things much worse. This made me think hot water and gentle combing while conscious was a better way.
I acknowledged to myself that my excema was a huge source of pleasure, (“I love scratching!”), and that I couldn’t imagine wanting to give that up. But I also knew that it was holding me back.
What also seemed important was checking what I was eating, and after what items the rash worsened. In my case, these were tomatoes, strawberries and vinegar, all of which I adored all through childhood, too. I more or less cut these out, and it seemed this helped a lot. I can have all these things now, though, without rashing up. I have gradually bought more and more organic items over the years, and maybe the relative lack of chemical residue going into me, has helped.
A huge help was changing all the lotions I put on my skin. I began to think more clearly about the beauty/ health industry, and how it is driven to sell us dreams at high prices, when stuff much better for us can be bought (or made) much more cheaply. I began choosing products where I can see the ingredients are acceptable to me, like Lavera lines; and Odylique, (which is organic to a huge extent).
I must wear rubber gloves when working with tap water – after a short period without, it’s a sure-fire way to get my fingers itching.
I stopped wearing anything with wool.
Lots of love to everyone who comes here.
Scratching is just because it is itchy. Picking at the psoriasis is self harm. For me it is
Hi Miss Keller. I think picking of any scabs can become a habit. Certainly for me I CAN’T leave eczema flakes and scabs alone. But I think scratching can be, for instance I sometimes get something, like a comb or blunt end of the tweezers and really scratch with it. It becomes frenzied and I know it’s because I’m itchy but I do so much damage sometimes, even just with my finger nails.
I used to be told “dont scratch!” By my mom constantly. Sometimes when it was bad, she would slap my hand away rather than verbally remind me. But then she enrolled me at a medical study in the NIH studying a potential cure for ezcema. The theory is, there is the ezcema causing bacteria, the “bad bacteria” if u will, and then the normal “good bacteria”. This is literally how it was explained to me. I’m not trying to dumb anything down for u. Well, they are always fighting but the good bacteria lose because they aren’t on home turf. What this study did was spray on good bacteria and give them a fighting chance to win and rebuild their defenses. So, yea. I sprayed bacteria on my skin every night for 6 weeks. And… it worked. I forgot I had ezcema even. I don’t know how, but I did. Then the study ended, and I hit some lows, but eventually got it under control thanks to a boost in dosage of triamcinalone cream. And the study last I checked ia making good progress, and the Dr. running it predicts we could have a medicine in the next 9 years! I swear, this treatment is life changing. The study even attracted the news, and I was actually on the today show a while back along with my mom, talking about my experiences. Ezcema sucks and future children should not have to struggle with it. That was my motivation when I joined the study and when I accepted the interview invitation.
This is amazing ! I’d love to hear more about this. I did read about a woman who used a bacteria wash and had similar healing results. Can you tell me any more about this? How do I find out about the study? Where was it done? it would amazing if such a simple solution could help us, as it sounds natural too.
Very interesting. What was the bacteria? I had eczema since a teenager but usually just on my hands. Once I got it in my ear and it got infected. Instead of going to my doctor, I went to the clinic and a Chinese doctor told me it was infected. He gave me antibiotics to cure it and it worked and I never got it again. So I was thinking, Why can’t they do that to my hands, invent a spray for that. It was drops for my ears. It just got me thining but all I am ever offered at the doctor or dermatologist are steroids.
They are obsessed with topical steroids and they are not the answer. In my opinion all the do is mask a symptom and actually cause a lot of damage to the skin. The body is trying to tell us something, it’s just so hard to work out what! Detective work required! and lots of self care for the hands to heal them. I bathed mine in dead sea salts and also cleansed with apple cider vinegar. And wore cotton or silk gloves at night, kept nails very short and used natural balms and emollients. Do you still have hand eczema?
I am now 65 years old and have had eczema all my life. It’s like an old friend who never goes away. I’m so used to itching – and scratching is a natural response to that. During the day I just have quick little scratches or rubs that most the time don’t lead anywhere. However sometimes I can get quite itchy and I have to have a really good go at it. Usually I’ll take my shirt off, go in the bathroom and scratch myself with a comb. I’ll start in one area and then I’ll need to scratch all over my back and arms until I feel I’ve dealt with the itch. I am permanently pink!
However the real time for itching and scratching is at night. As soon as I start to get ready for bed I feel the need to scratch and then the itching spreads. I’ll put my creams on and get into bed and then I’ll really get going. I’ll scratch myself like a lunatic, unable to stop. One leg at a time and then the arms, but most of all the head and the face.
I feel like I want to scratch my thoughts away. I want to dig into my brain. Quite often I rub the eyes really hard, especially into the corners where I feel like I’m almost digging into the brain. It gets to the point where I think I’m doing something really dangerous to myself.
Another thing I do is stand on a dark floor and scratch and rub my head so that I can see thousands of flakes of dry skin float onto the floor. I’ll keep going usually for at least 10 minutes until there is a whole patch of floor covered in disgusting dead flakes of skin. Then I’ll mop it up. That’s quite satisfying.
Afterwards my forehead will feel smooth as though I’ve got rid of useless skin that I didn’t need. On very rare occasions I will have a night where I don’t scratch very much. It’s like a miracle. It’s like a breath of normality, but the next night it will be back to the real normal. The non-stop scratching. The scratching that keeps me awake. The scratching I love to do that makes me feel who I am.
I used to drink beer every evening and it made me itchy afterwards. I had less control so that I was scratching even more. I gave up beer this year and haven’t touched alcohol for ten months. However. I’m just as itchy as usual. Maybe more itchy than usual, which I think is partly caused by the stress and emotional trauma of lockdown and the coronavirus.
I love eating sweet things. I feel like if I gave up sugar it would help me. But I don’t want to!
I’m a vegetarian and mainly eat fresh food. I resonate with everything that was written in this blog and most of the comments that people have written underneath.
Hi David, I hear you, I hear you. I see you! It’s so tough and I too have a sweet tooth. I’ve been experimenting with figs and dates and natural plant sugars like maple syrup and honey instead of the processed white stuff. I really think it has helped. The less sugar the better, but I, like you, struggle to do that completely. I mean what is a life without sugar? If you love scratching you might like my next book of poetry which I’m working hard to publish as soon as I can. It’s for itchy scratching people but will come with an itch scratch warning. Some poems may make you itchy. Alcohol definitely makes me worse. Wine is the worst. If I have one gin and tonic I’m usually Ok but wine has a lot of sugar, as does cider and beer. So we can just make wise choices some of the time and it will help.
Omg! I found this article while googling if scratching eczema is a form of self harm, as I am starting to think whether I need to see a psychiatrist about it. I found it so supporting to read someone having the same issues and reading comments and relating to everyone. I just feel so alone in this, because all of my friends, even if some have some allergies, do not have anything similar to what i have.
I had atopic dermatitis since childhood and developed eczema on my hands like 5 years ago, It comes and goes but became particularly bad in recent months.
I try to get away from hormonal cremes, but it’s hard as they helped soo well. But using hormones just eases the symptoms while also making allergies ínternal’, at least that’s what my homeopathist told me. And I believe it because I developed more allergies in recent years than I did in my whole life before, and some of them are not skin-related but more like breathing related
It’s an ongoing battle, I noticed that calendula helps with skin conditions and sometimes can help with soreness and itching.
Also I turned to ‘non traditional’ medicine, because as I understand usual science can’t really help for now.
Acupuncture done in the right place really helped. It didn’t ‘cure’ my allergies but just made the outbursts rare and more mild.
I also recently started seeing a homeopathist, who cured my friend from her allergies, so I have high hopes. We will see.
For now I also scratch the hell out of my skin and try to battle it. The night is the worst, I sometimes scratch myself soo bad in some kind of half sleep when I don’t control myself but am half awake. Definetely having my nails short and round helps at least to reduce the damage a little.
Thank you for sharing your story and helping me connect to others who have similar problems and sensations.
Veronika.
I’m so glad you found this blog and thanks for your comments. You are not alone! This is a horrible condition and people don’t understand how tough it can be, especially the lack of sleep. Living with eczema is a life long journey to piece together all the tiny things that can help. It’s a journey! Carry on searching.
I wear cotton gloves at night to stop myself scratching. Works for me but maybe not for everyone. I buy them at the drug store. I just use vaseline on my hands as that is where my eczema is and then put the cotton gloves on. Of course doesn’t work if you have it severe. I have it pretty bad at times but can go years without any either.
I do too Carol, cotton and silk gloves, although i often get hot and remove them in my sleep. I find bandaging the area and wearing tight tubular bandages is also really helpful, particularly on my arms and legs. Also dead sea salt baths, and zinc and calendula cream for the itch.
I believe mine is self mutilation. Because I am a nervous anxious person. But in my day they called it neurotic. I start scratching when I talk to people and I’m not the least bit itchy. But I scratch and scratch until I’m bleeding. It’s ridiculous, I don’t do it as much with my own family members though. Unless I am upset with my spouse and then the scratching begins. I remember my girlfriend wiould say to me over and over, Stop scratching. I was not even aware I was doing it. When I don’t allow myself to do that (with extreme self will, very hard) all my eczema goes away. So I’m suspicious of mine. The doctors keep saying never use laundry soap, cosmetics, beauty products or cleaners anymore. If I was allergic to those, the eczema would be all over my body and I only get it on my hands. So that makes no sense what the doctors are telling me. I do get it on my eyelids and lip as well but that is new, never before did I get it in those places. My daughter alos has it and is a nervous, anxious person as well. as well as two of my grandchildren. And yes, the itching is very satisfactory but if you dont’ let yourself scratch, it itching goes away. Simple but hard to do.
When I was 24 (I’m 72 now) they treated me at the hospital for eczema. They sent you there once a month to get it checked. Mine never got better even with creams so they sent me to a psychiatrist instead, they said they thought eczema was caused by me being neurotic. That’s what they called it back then. Everything was free back then, I was in Halifax, Canada. Lots of help back then.
Neurotic! How rude! Did the psychiatrist help? What did they suggest to help your ‘neuroses?’ I definitely think therapy helped me. Lots of guilt, shame, and anxiety about how my skin looked and unfair judgement in my own mind. How’s your skin now? I’m working on my mental health and my gut now and my skin is finally getting through the topical steroid withdrawal