Atopic skin care - how to soothe the constant itching?

Often something that seems least important to us can turn out to be what interferes most in our lives. Itching itself is not usually a cause for concern – it is generally not a symptom of something serious, but rather just a nuisance. After all, everyone has been bitten by something, right? But what would it feel like if this itching is not just a temporary phenomenon but torments us constantly and even disrupts our peaceful sleep? What if it is so unbearable that it causes incessant scratching, forming wounds that people look at suspiciously, as if we have parasites or a contagious disease? Then the itching becomes our biggest problem. This is how more and more people live, as cases of atopic dermatitis have significantly increased in recent years.

Atopic dermatitis is a condition mainly characterized by extremely dry, flaky, and irritated skin, but perhaps the most unpleasant symptom is the constant itching.

People suffering from atopic dermatitis need to take continuous care because their skin is more sensitive to the influence of external and internal factors. A primary cause of the condition is the absence of certain proteins in the dermis composition, which are especially important for maintaining its barrier function. Itching is triggered even by the smallest irritant, provoking a continuous cycle of scratching, wounding, inflammation, and infection. All this leads to worsening of the skin and quality of life.

Read more about atopic dermatitis

How to avoid worsening the itching?

To soothe the itching, dermatologists advise eliminating from your daily life the factors that can worsen the condition.

1. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

First and foremost, prolonged exposure to high temperatures should be avoided to prevent excessive sweating. Sweat contains substances that cause irritation and itching. Very dry air and low temperatures during the winter months also trigger flare-ups of the condition.

2. Do not use harsh cleansing products and scented laundry detergents!

Another reason that worsens the itching of atopic skin is the use of certain chemicals (for example SLS/SLES) found in some detergents, soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics. When in contact with atopic skin, which has a compromised barrier function, they cause irritation and continuous itching. That is why it is important to use cosmetics designed for sensitive and atopic skin, as well as unscented laundry detergents and softeners. This way you will avoid irritation and the accompanying itching.

3. Avoid contact with wool and synthetics!

Unfortunately, wearing fabrics like wool and synthetics worsens the itching of atopic skin and is therefore prohibited for people suffering from the condition. What healthy people feel as a slight prickling from a woolen scarf is a real trial and torment for an atopic person.

4. Industrial pollution in an urban environment.

It is no coincidence that atopic dermatitis is considered a disease of the population living in large cities, where air pollution is a major problem. Tobacco smoke and dust are also considered serious external irritants that worsen the condition of atopic skin.

How to relieve constant itching?

There is one basic rule: keep the skin well hydrated, and for this purpose it is important to use the appropriate emollient products – balms, lotions, etc.. Atopic skin has a damaged barrier, so its protective function decreases and its permeability increases. The affected skin areas lose moisture, leading to dryness and itching, which in turn causes injury that results in greater skin damage. That is why it is necessary to restore the skin's protective barrier and calm the vicious cycle of dryness-itching-injury-infection by using special emollient cosmetics.

What are emollients?

Emollients are substances that soften the skin while protecting it from moisture loss by creating a gentle film. Natural emollients are plant oils that deliver various beneficial substances to the skin such as fatty acids and lipids. Besides making the skin soft and gentle, emollients have the unique property of acting as occlusive agents that prevent the penetration of harmful substances and pollutants while helping retain moisture in the skin and hydration.

Most good emollients on the market contain a combination of natural oils from avocado, oats, castor oil, sunflower oil, etc. They can also be enriched with vitamins, glycerin, urea, and other substances that increase the moisture content in the skin. Products with these ingredients stimulate hydration of the epidermis – the most affected skin layer in patients with atopic dermatitis. An important ingredient in emollient creams and oils are laureth-7 and laureth-9, which help break the itch-scratch cycle as they act as a local anesthetic. They are often found in various care and treatment products for atopic dermatitis with the primary function of relieving itching.

Another important and common ingredient is glycerin, which is a lipid (fat) and its main characteristic is its hygroscopicity. It has the incredible ability to attract water and retain it longer in the dermis, thereby providing moisture and hydration to dry skin.

Experts' advice for managing atopic skin

According to dermatologists, it is recommended to bathe with warm, but not hot water. Hot water combined with an aggressive cleansing product – soap or shower gel – removes the already delicate protective lipid layer of atopic skin. Showering is a better option than taking a bath, but it should not be overdone – a maximum of 10-15 minutes. The use of emollient cleansing oil would preserve the skin’s water-lipid mantle and add itch-soothing ingredients for long-lasting hydration.

The moisturizing emollient cream-balm It should be applied immediately after bathing to seal moisture in the skin and maximize its effectiveness. Specialists advise applying emollient products within 3 minutes after bathing, while the skin is still damp, and as often as necessary, recommending at least twice a day.

Approach irritated skin carefully. Sometimes, in more severe cases, local treatment with corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or phototherapy may be applied, but only under strict medical supervision.

The condition of atopic skin is influenced by many factors, both personal and genetic, so it is important to visit a dermatologist who is well acquainted with the situation to prescribe proper care and treatment. Atopic dermatitis is a condition that is outgrown in most cases, but it is good to have a doctor who provides the right instructions for maintaining the skin in a calm state and prescribes necessary medications during critical flare-ups.

One of the treatments for severe itching flare-ups is so-called wet wraps or wet clothing. This involves moistening a cotton garment, such as a T-shirt, which the patient wears while sleeping at night. The affected skin is covered with the wet garment, and a dry one is placed over it to control evaporation. This system helps soften the skin and keep it moisturized, as well as reduce itching, redness, and prevent wounds from excessive scratching, since the predisposed areas remain covered.

• Reduce the consumption of certain foods and drinks (mainly dairy products, nuts, shellfish, and alcohol).

• Use air purifiers to reduce allergens (house dust mites, pollen, and dust).
• Laundry detergents can be very irritating and harsh for atopic skin, so rinse your laundry twice and avoid using fabric softeners.
• Stress can worsen atopic skin. It is recommended to practice relaxation techniques and exercise to reduce stress.
• Avoid heavy sweating or take a shower immediately after. Do not overdress and keep the skin clean and dry.

Since atopic eczema is a chronic skin condition, the key to successful treatment and reducing unpleasant itching is following some simple rules and regular emollient care. It is important to be careful and watch for the appearance of new areas of dry skin that may require treatment under the supervision of a dermatologist.