Eczema - How to cope with scratching?

@PeonyRoseAnnie I had my worst flare up when my dad was diagnosed terminally ill. I used steroid plus antibiotic cream plus antihistamine tabs plus E45 anti itch cream. I also had 4 sessions with a clinical hypnotherapist. She really helped me to explore how stressed I was even though seemingly coping with his dying. She gave me psychological tools and recordings of our sessions to listen to after we had finished. I had to pay but it was worth it. I still listen to the recordings if I start to feel stressed or start to flare and for me, they work. 

@Johannawarren2002‍ thanks for replying to my thread and sharing you story. Sorry to hear about your dad. How much better would you say your skin is with using these psychological tools.? Did you go to a specific eczema psychologist or was it a general one? Thanks for your help, I’ve decided 2021 is the year I get on top of my skin , I’m so fed up of this daily underlying feeling that it’s out of control. I do wonder whether a psychological group would be good too with other eczema (was going to say sufferers but don’t like that word!) eczema survivors . Thanks

@PeonyRoseAnnie The hypnotherapist was just that, not a psychologist. She is clinically registered. I found my itching slowly reduced over the 4 weeks I saw her. I was also using the creams and antihistamines as well though. My skin didn't fully heal until well after dad had died and I still have severe scarring which wont reduce sadly. I would say its worth trying if eczema is affecting you so badly. Stress is one of my triggers .... might be yours too ... or not! Good luck!

@Gemoxxogem try using the Wim Hof breathing technique. I know that meditation is difficult even without the NEED to scratch, I’m completely addicted to scratching viciously and still can’t make it through a day without ripping into all of my hot spots but I’ve started taking calms to help with the stress and this breathing technique does genuinely work.

I dont know why there is a lack of treatments and support,                                                                                                        my hospital discharged me a couple of years ago after referring me for laser surgery, this was refused on the grounds of cost, so now i have to try and get to see Dermatology again after Covid allows.

i am again shielding, so life could be hard for awhile, but my letter informs me that i should have my fist dose of the vaccine mid February. i wait eagerly !!!

Hello.

My son is suffering terribly right now. His entire body is red and painful. He's not sleeping which in itself is causing problems.  He's tried all sorts of remedies, steroids, elimination diets, emollients. He's currently trying out a yeast elimination diet to see if that can be the reason for this awful flare up. I'm worried sick. The doctors just don't care.

One GP suggested he did an allergy test as he felt this was food related. 

Has anyone else tried this and successfully found their flare up trigger? 

Hello Karlsmum,

Only just read these messages so apologies for late reply. I am 52 & have had eczema all my life, worse when younger but flare ups as an adult. I sympathise with you & your Son, I really do. He may well have had the food allergy test by now which may well have helped, with me it was never diet related to be honest even though I have tried cutting things out over the years. At the moment I am having sunbed treatments through the Hospital & also using steroids when it flares up & all the usual emollients. Have you tried a bath of sea salt? Am thinking this may well be to painful for your Son though. It was also recommended to me to soak hands & feet in Milton when they were bad.

Not sure if this is any help.

Regards.

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