Snapping Out Of The Itch
There are many times when I've been in the middle of a massive itchfest and felt like I was sinking into an abyss filled with the sensation of my sharp nails, hot, dry sensitive skin, and anxiety-filled thoughts that seem to just spiral on and on with potentially no end.
Emotional impact of eczema
I had many days and nights where I did not know if I would ever have any kind of control when feeling triggered by an itch. I assumed that every time I would feel one, it would become another painful saga filled with blood, broken skin, and many tears. It was very depressing, horrifying, and most of all very traumatizing.
Holistic health
Thankfully, I started to explore different modes of pain management and the idea of the mind-body connection in my college years. It led me down a path of exploring holistic health and what would be considered new age or alternative modalities to creating more balance and a sense of control over my triggers.
First attempt at eczema itch relief
One of the most helpful things that I do initially when I feel a trigger is to immediately do a long exhale. Sometimes, it feels so overwhelming that at first, I take a deep breath and hold it for no more than one or two seconds. Then, I immediately force myself to exhale. I think symbolically of that exhale as me not only letting go of my breath but letting go of the control that the pain has over my mind and body and letting go of having an hour-long itchfest full of skin damage.
Practice, practice, practice These days, after practicing this technique for about 14 years, I have found it to be quite effective on its own. There have been many times that I've been able to let go of the itch just with this one step alone. I believe that it is the symbolic thought process along with the exhale that helps. And I sense that my body reads the exhale as a signal to relax which actually does help me relax physically.When exhaling doesn't workIf the exhale alone is not enough to get rid of the sense of itchiness, another technique that I do that I haven't seen anyone else talk about yet is to literally snap myself out of it. There have been times where I’ve exhaled with intention but I'm still scratching my face or some part of my body. I can start to feel the rise of histamine and itchiness become even greater. Sudden itch reliefAt this point, I will just shake my hands off of my skin. Often, this gesture is so sudden that it's enough to help me get my bearings and detach myself from the potential abyss of scratching that otherwise may spiral out of control and make a rash spread, making it even sorer and inflamed.Taking back control of eczemaIt is not an easy task to get control of your eczema triggers and scratching, but it is possible through consistent effort and determination. I often believe that if you can think it, you can make it happen. Hope these tips help you make your scratchfest no longer happen or happen less frequently!
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