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I had patches of dry and irriatated skin on my arms and legs, and when I started scratching I couldn't stop and the affected areas got worse! I'd tried various skin creams but none of them seemed to make any difference, and my skin got gradually worse. I searched the internet and came across Dermacura Intensive spray which had fantastic reviews so I thought I'd try it. Its been amazing! I applied it twice a day and after a week I could see a massive difference, the irritated patches of skin were shrinking and I can't remember the last time that I felt the urge to scratch! Several months later and my skin is under control, I no longer use the spray twice a day........more like twice a week but its still keeping the dry skin away! Thank you Dermacura!!!!!

I am 29 and have had eczema forever-i scratch all the time and some of it is out of pure habit! I agree with missraven about the nails-i recently had my nails done for the first time-they are natural nails with white tips put on-they look glossy and sophisticated, and the best thing is, you cant damage yourself when you scratch! I noticed improvements within just 2 days in the overall condition of my skin. It also helps stop the itch-scratch cycle-scratching is no longer very satisfying so you will soon learn to stop, and in turn the itching will reduce. Would recommend this to everyone! B x

Im afraid that solution is limited to females and well some men.. Im just happy the boys have their toys PS3 !!

Scratching easily becomes a habit, and when it does it is often provoked by factors other than itch. At http://www.atopicskindisease.com/articles/PeterNoren Swedish Dermatologist Dr Peter Norén gives an account how a behaviour modification technique called habit reversal was introduced in the 1980s at his hospital in Uppsala, and revolutionised the treatment of chronic atopic eczema. It is now incorporated with optimal topical treatment into a programme called The Combined Approach - now more and more people are discovering both "how to stop scratching", and also how to live without eczema - perhaps even more important!

In order for my eczema to not look absolutely terrible I regularly get my nails done. I have found that I need to do this and when I take the nails off and have to wait to get them on my eczema gets terrible where I develop open sores on my skin. My regular nails just tear my skin apart and having acrylic nails I can scratch and not get open cuts on my skin. My doctor prescribed my Hydroxyzine which she an anti itch and anti anxiety medicine. She also wanted me to up my allergy medicine to twice a day instead of once a day. Hydroxyzine has helped me a ton and she even said it is ok to up my dose on a bad day.

I can't tell you how it feels to find a forum talking about scratching. I've been scratching since I was 16 (26 now) and my body is wrecked because of it. I am so tired of having to cover up and explain why my body is scarred. I have had it and I need to stop. I am going to try the electical tape trick mentioned for night time scratching. For the day, I just installed this app called Pomodoro which is a timer for productivity that is in 25 minute segments. I am going to try and build up the amount of time I can go without scratching. What other techniques do people use? Also are there any success stories? I need hope.

Hi there, the other way is to note when you scratch the most and try to do something else during those times. a little more in this interview series that I did with a psychologist who has an interest in eczema.

http://eczemablues.com/2012/06/combined ... -reversal/
http://eczemablues.com/2012/06/combined ... -reversal/

Hope the interview series will give you some ideas, take care!
Mei

I'm 22 and have recently moved from the UK to Australia. Although I thought the heat would help my eczema, it's only made it worse! My skin is constantly dry from sun cream although I have tried a few different brands. It's so hot I literally sweat all the water I've drank out of me which effects my eczema making it dry and itchy & because of the itchiness my new found tan has gone patchy because of the extent I scratch my skin.
My whole back and legs are extremely dry and flaky, does anyone have any tips that could help me? I'm desperate!!

Sorry to hear that.. if you're putting on sunblock, be sure to check whether it has any ingredients that are more likely to cause skin sensitivity (physical blockers type are better) and if it is moisturizing. Otherwise, you have to apply moisturizer first/ after shower, and then followed by sunscreen. Suntanning cream is best avoided, take care!