How can I stop scratching?
As you probably know, scratching is not a viable solution to itching. The relief it provides is short-lived and scratching may expose the skin to germs and superinfection, also known as impetigo. It also usually makes the itching worse.
But how do you stop this urge?
Firstly, a medical diagnosis by a doctor or dermatologist will help you identify the cause of the itching. If it’s an allergen, you can then remove it from your daily routine. If it’s a condition, you will be prescribed an appropriate medical treatment.
In addition to a possible medical prescription, certain steps and treatments can greatly help to calm the itching:
- Place a compress soaked in Thermal Spring Water Spray for about ten minutes on the inflamed area. If necessary, re-spray during the application time.
- Choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and soap-free cleansing products.
- Do not use water that’s too hot in the shower and limit baths as they dry out the skin.
- Take care of your skin every day, particularly by keeping it hydrated with lipid-replenishing and anti-itching emollients for dry skin.
Other tips can be used to remove the itchy feeling or to avoid superinfection:
- Cut your fingernails to avoid scratches and bacterial infection.
- Use refrigerated cold packs on the itch
- Wearing cotton gloves at night helps to avoid scratching while sleeping when you feel itchy at night time.
- Take time for relaxation through breathing, yoga or sophrology to reduce the aggravating factor of stress.
- Keep your mind occupied during flare-ups. Distraction helps you to forget the itch – it’s very beneficial and effective, especially for children.
- Avoid scented detergents.
Which anti-itching cream should I choose?
For dry to very dry skin prone to itching as well as skin with an atopic tendency, Eau Thermale Avène has developed the Xeracalm A.D. range. Its cleansing and daily treatments for infants, children and adults with atopic eczema, senile, idiopathic or pregnancy-related pruritus, or ichthyosis.
Its active ingredient, derived from the microbiota of Avène Thermal Spring Water, I-modulia®, provides the treatments with an anti-irritant and anti-itching action and rebalances the skin microbiome.
For the daily care of dry skin prone to itching, we recommend Xeracalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Cream. This emollient targets dryness and restores the skin barrier of the whole body.
For very dry skin prone to itching, opt for the Xeracalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Balm instead to compensate for this more severe skin dryness.
For intense localised itching, Xeracalm A.D. Soothing Concentrate is the ultimate SOS treatment. It immediately soothes itchiness. It's also very suitable for recurrent itchy areas such as the skin folds of infants and adults (elbows, knees, eyelids, elbows), hands and arms.
How do you use an anti-itching cream?
The anti-itching cream should be applied as a daily treatment once or twice a day. We recommend that you use it especially after showering to soothe your skin irritated by hard and chlorinated water.
Anti-itching cream is intended for external use only, on uninjured skin. This means that your skin should not have any oozing lesions. If this is the case, replace the anti-itching ointment with Cicalfate Absorbing Repair Spray, until the discomfort and redness is dry.
To apply your anti-itching cream, take a small amount in the palm of your hands. Then, spread it gently over your entire body with the palm of your hand, without rubbing the skin, so as not to trigger additional flushing and redness.
For intense itching, reapply Xeracalm A.D. Soothing Concentrate at any time. You can also alternate with compresses soaked in Thermal Spring Water Spray placed on the inflamed area for about ten minutes.
Finally, if the symptoms persist beyond five days of daily care, do not hesitate to consult a health professional.
