When a child with eczema, allergies, inflammation, infection, or any other itchy skin condition starts scratching, the results can be devastating. Sensitive skin is prone to being injured by even the most well-trimmed fingernails, and infections are only one scratch away sometimes. Stopping scratching is one of the most important – and the most frustrating- jobs of parents who have kids with skin issues, but sometimes that job seems just plain impossible! It seems that once scratching begins it would be easier to stop the world from spinning than to stop those busy fingers. Today, we’re going to explore what the scratching cycle is all about and look at a few super simple ways that parents can help break that cycle.

The Scratching Cycle

When an itch happens, it’s our biological response to scratch. This reaction is programmed deep in our brains and we know how to do it from the first days of life. Scratching usually helps rid the skin of an irritant or massage out a chemical that’s causing deep itching – but sometimes the itch doesn’t go away. When a child deals with sensitive skin they can often find that the more that scratch the more intense the itch gets. This is frustrating to say the least!

The scratching cycle happens because the itch leads to the scratch, and the scratch compromises the skin enough that it actually leads to more itchiness. Instead of the scratching causing the itch to go away, it aggravates the skin enough that more itchy signals are sent to the brain. This is extremely common in eczema and allergies as well as other skin conditions.

The scratch cycle is frustrating because the skin simply cannot heal itself and find balance when all the scratching is happening. How can the skin heal when it’s constantly being irritated with scratching? Even just an hour without a scratch can give the skin time to reduce inflammation, cleanse toxins, and create a healthy immune response. Let’s look at a few simple ways to give the skin that short break when it’s needed most.

Distraction

One of the best methods for giving the skin a rest during scratch cycles is distraction. Giving kids something else to focus on like a game, an adventure, a story, or an activity can take their minds off the nagging itch so that the body can get to work healing.

Moisturizing

A deep, penetrating moisturizer can often bring instant relief from itching. The right moisturizer goes on thick, stays on, and brings a cool comfort to the skin’s surface.

Bath Time

A bath is a great way to hydrate the skin and distract your kids with some fun playtime as well. Use oil in the bath to help ensure that the water doesn’t cause extra irritation, and make sure to apply a moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

Massage

A gentle massage can help move irritating chemicals from the skin, relieve tension and itching, bring fresh blood flow to the surface of the skin for nourishing, and a lot more. Massage can be performed by simply doing light, circular rubs near or on the area if it’s not inflamed or infected. Check out online resources for infant and child massage for some great ideas on how to use this healing modality in your own home.

Clothing

Dressing your child in light, breathable fabrics that help soothe the skin and prevent them from getting in contact with itchiness is often the best technique to stop an itch cycle. 

Bamboo Bubby sleeping bags, Bamboo Bubby Eczema PJs & Eczema Mitten Sleeves are both excellent ways to help.

Do you have a favorite technique for stopping the scratching cycle? Share it with us in the comments below!