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How To Break The Itch-Scratch Cycle!

Scratch Away The Itch Today!

 

For many of us, itchy skin is just another symptom of winter. But here’s something you may not know – an itch is never just an itch. And though a simple itch may seem harmless at first, it’s part of a terrible chain of events that can lead to the severe long-term damage of your skin. This awful chain of events is called the itch-scratch cycle.

The itch-scratch cycle does not end with a debilitating winter itch. In fact, the itch-scratch cycle begins with either inflammation or itchiness, then leads to you scratching, which leads to you inevitably damaging your all-important skin barrier, which can end up causing you both long-term and short-term skin problems. (1)

But there IS a way you can not only FIGHT the effects of the itch-scratch cycle, but also REMEDY your skin from the effects of eczema and PREVENT future symptoms from causing further damage to your skin.

In this blog we talk about what the itch-scratch cycle is, and how to achieve SMOOTH and RADIANT SKIN all winter long!

 

THE ITCH-SCRATCH CYCLE

 

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Let’s be honest, we’ve all had the occasional itch. But we can all agree that this itch usually worsens in the winter, and usually leads us down a rabbit hole of scratching for months and months on end. But here’s the crazy truth about scratching that annoying winter itch – it’s almost impossible to avoid because it can be caused by everything from bug bites to dry skin to psoriasis to eczema, and even dandruff.

But it doesn’t end there. Contact dermatitis, which can be considered a part of eczema, also causes itchiness and that uncontrollable need to scratch. But perhaps the most dangerous cause of scratching, which can be considered the result of almost all of these aforementioned causes, is a pre-existing wound. Wounds cause damaged nerves, which can directly lead to itchiness. (2) (3)

Histamine also causes itchiness, which leads you to scratch, which leads to more histamine, which leads to even more scratching. In this way, histamine is a part of its own awful cycle, and one you should never facilitate with scratching. Instead, ice is a natural way of getting rid of that debilitating itch, which is a safer way of reducing the likelihood of breaking your skin barrier and causing an infection. (4)

 

QUICK TIP: Scratching may feel good in the moment, but it won’t last! Prevent the itch today with the ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS in GARNER’S GARDEN 100% ALL-NATURAL ADULT ECZEMA PACKAGE! (5)

 

The reason the itch-scratch cycle is so hard to stop is because it affects your brain. This is because scratching actually diverts attention away because of the pain and damage you’re doing to yourself. Your brain then becomes confused, and releases serotonin to relieve the pain you’re incurring. And this wild cycle doesn’t end there.

 

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After your brain releases serotonin, your itch becomes blocked, which leads to even more itch triggers sent by your brain … which leads to more scratchingmore serotonin … and inevitably more itching. And this debilitating cycle can begin with something as simple as a mild irritant, which makes this awful cycle even scarier. (6)

And if eczema is causing your itchiness, DON’T SCRATCH! Scratching eczema can lead to skin infections, so even if you have to sit with your hands under you, be sure you’re not giving in and being the cause of your worsening eczema. One way to stop this cycle is by using an EFFECTIVE MOISTURIZER that can remedy your skin and strengthen your skin barrier, enabling your itchiness to finally stop. (7) (8)

 

 

To both prevent and remedy the debilitating symptoms of the itch-scratch cycle, check out Garner's Garden 100% All-Natural Adult Eczema Package, our handmade bundle filled with only the most soothing and calming all-natural products, including our:

 

 

 

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BREAK THE CYCLE

 

The itch-scratch cycle also goes by another name, a name that might better illustrate its hazardous potential – the itch-scratch-damage cycle. And there are many potential consequences of this cycle, including some you might not even realize, such as insomnia, unevenness of your skin, and dangerous infections. Additionally, your scratched skin may turn leathery and be damaged for months before it looks normal again.

To avoid the potential long-term damage of the itch-scratch cycle – and its potential scarring – you should avoid those things that can cause eczema flareups and symptoms in the first place. These include many over-the-counter soaps and fragrances, which can remove essential oils from your skin and cause itching. (9) (10) (11)

 

Chemicals only deteriorate your child's sensitive skin more. Protect your child from the itch-scratch cycle AND artificial ingredients by giving them GARNER'S GARDEN 100% ALL-NATURAL KIDS ECZEMA PACKAGE today!

 

Another quick trick to curtailing some of the damage of the itch-scratch cycle is trimming your fingernails. As silly as it sounds, this can make a huge difference in protecting your skin from further damage, especially for people who may scratch while they sleep, which is often done subconsciously. If you do suffer with this, it might be best to wear fabric gloves that can limit potential skin damage. (12)

 

QUICK TIP: Avoid skin creams with alcohol. Instead use an ALL-NATURAL MOISTURIZER two to three times per day, especially after washing. Moisturize away the harmful effects of eczema today with GARNER’S GARDEN 100% ALL-NATURAL ADULT ECZEMA PACKAGE! (13)

 

Eczema is not something that can be controlled day to day. As a result, you need a dedicated ANTI-ECZEMA ROUTINE to help fend off potential irritation and scratching. Without properly dealing with your eczema, you may suffer from viral and bacterial infections that can cause you to scratch even more.

And it’s also important you choose products to fight your eczema that really ARE natural. This distinction is important, as many so-called natural over-the-counter products are natural just because manufacturers call them so, when in reality many ingredients in over-the-counter products can cause allergies to worsen – and even more itchiness to arise. (14) (15)

And even after all your hard word to not scratch, be wary of the signs of a skin infection, which include yellow crustiness on your skin, fluid on your skin, swelling, and skin spots. All these signs mean your eczema is at risk of worsening and eventually becoming unresponsive to other potential remedies. (16)

 

 

Don't forget - your children are susceptible to the itch-scratch cycle too! To protect your child's skin this winter, check out Garner's Garden 100% All-Natural Kids Eczema Package, which includes our:

 

 

 

Want eczema-free skin all fall long?

Get 15% off our ALL-NATURAL ADULT and KIDS ECZEMA PACKAGES today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Don't Forget To Follow Us On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube!

 

 

 

ALSO LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FREE GARNER'S GARDEN PRODUCT OF YOUR CHOICE!

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:
  1. https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/thederm/news/itch-scratch-cycle-and-its-impact-patients
  2. https://www.thehealthy.com/allergies/itches-you-should-never-scratch/
  3. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/contact-dermatitis/
  4. https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/bug-bite-dangers/
  5. https://baydermatology.com/why-you-shouldnt-scratch/
  6. https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/bodily_functions_explained_itch_and_scratch
  7. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/ss/slideshow-eczema-itch-dont-scratch
  8. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/atopic-dermatitis-eczema
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6502296/
  10. https://www.myeczemateam.com/resources/eczema-and-tips-for-breaking-the-itch-scratch-cycle
  11. https://www.myeczemateam.com/resources/four-ways-to-discover-your-eczema-triggers
  12. https://www.jivome.com/articles/dermatologist-tips-to-break-the-itch-scratch-cycle/
  13. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/hair-skin-nails/itching.html
  14. https://www.everydayhealth.com/eczema/itch-scratch-cycle-severe-eczema/
  15. https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/
  16. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/complications/
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