Eczema Mistakes that Increase the Itch
This information was reviewed and approved by Elizabeth Gyorkos, PA-C (10/1/2019).
Avoid these common mistakes that make eczema itching worse.
![Person applying lotion to their hands](/getattachment/723aabe8-e665-4bfa-8ae0-71a51982ca54/01-Cream-and-Ointment.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Using lotion
Creams and ointments lock in moisture better than lotion.
![Person washing their body with soap](/getattachment/15e2a3f3-b712-40ae-9bb2-6617091ce228/02-Soap.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Washing with soap
Use a water rinse and a gentle, fragrance-free, dye-free cleanser.
![Father bathing their child](/getattachment/adecd68a-2d79-4dcd-88e2-58ad2146b7e8/03-Bathing.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Not bathing or moisturizing
Take a daily bath. Apply moisturizer and medicine within three minutes of getting out of the water.
![man applying moisturizer](/getattachment/cae33efe-b303-42ac-b888-9442b1305cfe/04-Moisturizer.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Applying moisturizer on top of medication
Topical medicine only goes on active rash. Moisturizer goes on clear skin areas.
![person applying lotion to their baby](/getattachment/8f953ff9-bf15-4c70-95ac-f0d991687acb/05-Apply-Generously.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Not using enough moisturizer
Apply cream or ointment generously after bathing and hand-washing, and for itching.
![man scratching arm](/getattachment/9713f75c-6f2e-48aa-8cc1-33945106d35d/06-Scratching.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Scratching
Instead of directly scratching, sharply pat the itchy area and apply moisturizer.
![person scooping moisturizer](/getattachment/588dd4d0-a918-4b71-92c5-2896c7734b99/07-Scooping-Hand-Cream.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Scooping moisturizer with your hand
Prevent contaminating the container by using a disposable spoon or pump to get the moisturizer.
![Boy drinking water](/getattachment/b3dea06f-5dfa-4517-a265-e2b938f11b86/08-Drinking-water.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Not drinking enough water
Skin is 60 percent water. Drink plenty of water every day.
![woman wearing itchy clothing](/getattachment/6a511a3e-b467-464f-94a1-6bcbe54437ea/9-Itchy-Clothing.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Wearing itchy clothing
Keep skin covered with natural fibers, such as cotton.
![girl putting on gloves](/getattachment/40cd1492-65ba-49ee-845b-0bf8d3717b2f/09-Gloves-in-Cold-Weather.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Not wearing gloves in cold weather
Protect hands with silk or cotton liners under your favorite gloves or mittens.
![heavy covers](/getattachment/20d1fc46-ffe8-401d-9edd-3ad6277320fc/11-Heavy-Covers.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Sleeping under heavy covers
Change heavy covers for lightweight, breathable blankets to prevent sweating and itching.
![woman working on school work](/getattachment/3e588334-ac05-4051-9a03-a3908f327197/12-Focus-on-Scratching.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Focusing on scratching
Keep hands busy by playing with a worry stone, stress ball or another item.
![woman looking at menu](/getattachment/fd04a282-03b9-41a9-a9e3-0aeefe07b050/13-Rushing-Care-Plan.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Rushing your care plan
Follow your doctor’s care plan exactly, and ask for help if you can’t get an eczema flare under control.
![putting socks on baby's hands](/getattachment/3d7a866e-36a1-4c94-b192-023f5ef0788c/14-Prepare-for-Flare.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Not being prepared for the flare
Keep a drawer of soak and seal clothing and other supplies ready for eczema flares.
![family talking with school about eczema](/getattachment/9326d975-d16d-484f-9e32-f61110e7eb0d/15-Talk-to-School.jpg?lang=en-US&height=507&width=888&ext=.jpg)
MISTAKE: Not talking with school staff
Educate teachers, staff and students about eczema — it’s not contagious. Provide moisturizer for your child to use at school for itching.