How can you soothe the itching associated with atopic dermatitis to get a good night's sleep?
### Tips to Soothe Itching from Atopic Dermatitis for Better Sleep
**1. Use a Humidifier**: Dry skin can worsen atopic dermatitis. Using a humidifier can help keep your skin moist. If you don't have one, place a bowl of water near your air conditioner.
**2. Stay Cool and Comfortable**: Sweating can make itching worse. Lower your thermostat at night to keep cool. Use bedding and pajamas made of soft, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo.
**3. Relieve the Itch**: Apply a good moisturizer or medicated ointment before bed. Consult your dermatologist for recommendations. Ice packs can also help as cold sensations can distract from itching.
**4. Avoid Scratching**: Scratching releases histamine, which causes more itching and can thicken the skin, leading to more dermatitis. Practice good sleep hygiene to reduce the urge to scratch.
**5. Medication**: Your doctor may prescribe sleep aids or medications to treat atopic dermatitis and reduce itching. New medications like dupilumab (Dupixent) can target the root causes of eczema at the cellular level.
**6. Good Sleep Hygiene**: Follow routines that promote restful sleep, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
**7. Stress Management**: Stress can worsen eczema. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation to help manage your symptoms.
Remember, it's important to address the itching to improve your quality of life and sleep better.