Eczema: Itch-scratch cycle

People with eczema show a variety of signs and symptoms:

• Eczematous lesions and intense itch (pruritus) are the most common symptom and sign¹
• Itch is the hallmark feature: rashes that do not itch are unlikely to be eczema.⁷

Skin damage that characterises eczema triggers inflammation in the stratum corneum (the layer directly beneath the dead cells at the skin surface), which contributes to itch. This leads to scratching, which releases more pro-inflammatory mediators further exacerbating eczema and dry skin. ⁸ This process is referred to as the itch-scratch cycle (shown in diagram).

Itch can be an important factor of health-related quality of life in children with eczema.⁹