What Happens When You Scratch Eczema?
People experiencing eczema flare-up often experience an “itch-scratch cycle.” This is when the skin is itchy, and you scratch your eczema, which causes more inflammatory mediators to release, thereby causing more itchy dry skin. When the skin is dry, it leads to more itching, making the cycle continue.
Scratching in general is a major cause of skin damage. It can lead to painful, red skin, which may break and bleed.
If the skin breaks, it increases the risk of an infection. Broken skin also makes it easier for irritants and allergens, such as pet dander and dust, to enter the skin barrier and cause eczema flare-up.
Scratching can also cause the skin to leathery and thick through a process called lichenification, which may further cause the skin color to change. It usually takes weeks or months for one to completely recover from this condition.
Eczema may also cause itchy lumps on the skin that may become thick and dark. This is called nodular prurigo [5]. This can cause permanent discoloration, especially in people with darker skin tone.
Excessive scratching can also cause scar on the skin.