On the occasion of National Eczema Day, this June 3, an association reveals anti-itching tips.
- In France, more than 2.5 million people suffer from eczema in France.
- This skin disease disrupts the sexual life of 75% of patients.
- Atopic dermatitis is manifested by severe itching, skin lesions and dryness of the epidermis.
Over 2.5 million. This is the number of people with eczema in France, according to the French Eczema Association. As a reminder, it is a chronic inflammatory pathology of the skin, which evolves in flare-ups. According to health insuranceit occurs on a particular genetic ground which promotes the development of allergies (atopy) during exposure to environmental allergens (house dust mites, animal hair, pollen, etc.).
Eczema, a disease that “gnaws away” physically and psychologically
This skin disease “gnaws away” patients physically and psychologically every day. As proof: a survey relayed by the association indicates that 44% of people declare that eczema disturbs their sleep (up to 74% in the case of severe eczema). Atopic dermatitis also disrupts the sex life of 75% of affected adults and one in two spouses. In addition, the daily life of patients is punctuated by this pathology, and this from an early age, because they must constantly moisturize their skin, follow their anti-inflammatory treatments in the event of a crisis or even adapt their activities according to the state. of their epidermis.
Three tips to reduce itching in case of eczema
Also, some symptoms can be difficult to manage. This is the case, for example, of severe itching. During the day and night, patients have an urge to scratch, which can cause skin abrasions and increase the risk of infection. To get out of the incessant spiral: pruritus, wounds, nervousness, stress, the French Eczema Association recommends:
- Apply cold to the skin to quickly soothe the itching, using a bomb of thermal water, a spoon, an ice pack, a fan, a feather, a refrigerated pebble or a T-shirt spent a few hours in the fridge;
- Cut nails short and put on mittens for children to avoid injuries;
- Limit stress and try to relax with appropriate activities, such as music, painting, reading, theater, embroidery, sophrology, yoga, hypnosis or mindful meditation.
