Tips to help you manage itch and pain
Skin that is sore and cracked due to AD can be very itchy and sometimes even painful.1 If you experience these common symptoms of AD there are some self-care techniques you can try to help manage your symptoms.1
Try to reduce the damage from scratching1
Because AD is often itchy, it can be very tempting to scratch the affected areas. But scratching usually damages the skin, which can itself cause more AD to occur. The skin eventually thickens into leathery areas as a result of constant scratching.
Deep scratching also causes bleeding and increases the risk of your skin becoming infected or scarred. Try to reduce scratching whenever possible.
Keep your fingernails short and clean to minimise damage to the skin from unintentional scratching and keep your skin covered with light clothing to reduce damage from habitual scratching.
For more tips read the Caring for your skin article.
Avoid triggers2
Your doctor will work with you to establish what might trigger your AD flare-ups, although it may get better or worse for no obvious reason. Once you know your triggers, you can try to avoid or better manage them.
For more tips read the Flares: triggers and prevention article.
FABRICS
Certain fabrics can irritate your skin. Stick to soft, fine-weave clothing or natural materials such as cotton.
HEAT
If heat aggravates your AD, try to keep the rooms in your home cool, especially the bedroom.
SOAPS AND DETERGENTS
Some soaps and detergents can aggravate your AD. Try to avoid using soaps or detergents that may affect your skin – consider using soap substitutes instead.
DUST MITES3
Some people with AD are allergic to house dust mites, meaning house dust mites can worsen their AD. While it's difficult to completely rid your home of dust mites, you can reduce contact with them by vacuuming carpets and soft surfaces regularly, washing curtains, bedding, cushions and soft toys regularly, as well as airing out rooms to help reduce humidity.
Consider dietary changes4
Foods such as eggs and cows' milk may trigger AD symptoms in some people, but you shouldn’t make significant changes to your diet without first speaking to your doctor.
If your doctor suspects you might have a food allergy, you may be referred to a dietitian. They can help to work out a way to avoid the food you're allergic to while ensuring you still get all the nutrition you need. Learn more about diet.
Care for your skin
A regular skin care routine can help reduce the pain and itch of AD and reduce the risk of infection. Talk to your doctor to learn more about caring for your skin.
References: 1. National Eczema Society. Itching and scratching: How to control eczema-related itching. Available from: eczema.org/wp-content/uploads/Itching-and-Scratching-booklet-2021.pdf Accessed: August 2025. 2. Allergy UK. Your quick guide to: Atopic dermatitis (eczema) triggers allergens and irritants. Available from: allergyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Atopic-Dermatitis-Eczema-Triggers-Allergens-and-Irritants.pdf Accessed: August 2025. 3. National Eczema Society. Household irritants and eczema. Available from: eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/household-irritants-and-eczema/ Accessed: August 2025. 4. National Eczema Society. Allergy and eczema. Available from: eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/allergy-and-eczema/ Accessed: August 2025. AC-005092-00. AU-RNQ-250077. August 2025.