For many parents of children with eczema, the nightly battle with intense itching can feel overwhelming. Night-time itching can have a major impact on children's health and wellbeing. In fact, 83% of children report sleep disturbances due to eczema.
Getting a peaceful night can be challenging. Your child might seem relatively comfortable during the day, but as soon as bedtime approaches, the itching gets worse. This frustrating cycle often leads to discomfort, skin damage from excessive scratching, and sleepless nights for children and parents.
Understanding why eczema itching worsens at night is the first step toward managing it effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind nighttime flare-ups, provide tips to ease the discomfort, and explain how Skinakin’s specialized eczema-friendly clothing can offer relief.
1. Itching at night and skin sensitivity
One of the main reasons itching tends to worsen at night is the body’s natural circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is our internal clock that regulates many physiological processes, including skin function. Research shows that skin temperature rises at night, which can lead to increased itching sensations in people with eczema.
During the day, your body produces higher levels of the hormone cortisol, which has anti-inflammatory effects and helps keep eczema symptoms like itching and inflammation in check. However, cortisol levels naturally decrease at night, which can lead to a flare-up of symptoms, including that relentless itch.
Managing cortisol levels is difficult, but parents can counteract the increase in nighttime itching by keeping the bedroom cool and opting for breathable fabrics that help regulate body temperature.
2. Dehydration of the Skin
Another factor that contributes to nighttime itching is skin dehydration. While we sleep, our bodies lose moisture, and for children with eczema, this can make the skin more prone to dryness and irritation. Dry skin is a major trigger for itching, and when the skin barrier is compromised, it allows irritants to enter and cause further inflammation. Read why moisturising is so important for eczema prone skin.
Most children with eczema already struggle to maintain moisture in their skin due to a weakened skin barrier, so this natural loss of hydration overnight can exacerbate the problem.
Applying an eczema-friendly moisturizer before bed is essential to lock in hydration and protect the skin. Using protective sleepwear that helps keep creams in place can also improve skin hydration throughout the night.
3. Environmental Triggers in the Bedroom
Bedrooms can be filled with environmental triggers that worsen eczema symptoms. Common irritants such as dust mites, pet hair, and synthetic bedding materials can make itching worse, especially when a child is lying still and in close contact with these irritants.
Additionally, certain fabrics can irritate sensitive skin. Rough or synthetic materials often cause friction and heat buildup, making the skin itchier. Even the seams on pyjamas can rub against irritated areas, worsening eczema flare-ups.
Choose hypoallergenic bedding and fabrics made from cotton or other eczema friendly fabrics, to minimize irritation. Regularly washing bedding at a high temperature in fragrance-free detergent can help remove potential triggers.
4. Heat and Overheating
Overheating is a well-known trigger for eczema flare-ups. Many parents will notice that their child becomes itchier when they’re hot, especially at night when they’re wrapped in blankets or wearing thicker pyjamas. Heat causes sweat, and sweat can irritate sensitive skin, leading to an intense itching cycle.
The problem with traditional sleepwear is that it often traps heat and moisture close to the skin, creating a perfect storm for eczema irritation. Children with eczema are especially sensitive to changes in temperature, and overheating during sleep can be a major cause of nighttime itching.
Ensure that your child’s room is cool, and use lightweight, breathable pyjamas made from natural fabrics to prevent overheating.
5. Inactivity and Lack of Distractions
During the day, children are often busy with activities, playtime, and school, which naturally distracts them from the discomfort of itching. However, once the lights are off and they settle into bed, there are fewer distractions, making them more aware of the itching sensations.
For some children, the stillness of the night can cause them to focus on the itching, which leads to a vicious cycle—itching leads to scratching, scratching leads to more inflammation, and the itching worsens.
Creating a relaxing bedtime routine that includes moisturizing the skin and wearing protective sleepwear can help soothe the child’s skin and reduce the focus on itching.
6. Emotional and Psychological Stress
Stress and anxiety are known triggers for eczema flare-ups. Children, especially those dealing with chronic eczema, often feel frustrated by their condition, and this can manifest as increased stress at bedtime. If your child is already experiencing nighttime itching, the anticipation of another sleepless night can cause anxiety, which in turn, can make the itching worse.
Stress triggers the release of certain chemicals in the body, like histamines, which are known to increase itching sensations. It’s a vicious cycle where stress leads to more itching, and the discomfort of itching leads to more stress.
A calm and soothing bedtime routine, such as gentle massages and reading, can help reduce stress levels. A consistent skincare routine can also give them a sense of control over their eczema, which can help lower anxiety.
Eczema Itching at Night in Summary:
Managing nighttime itching is a complex process that requires addressing hydration, environmental factors, and psychological stress.
Nighttime itching doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of life for children with eczema. By understanding the reasons why eczema symptoms worsen at night, you can take proactive steps to make your child more comfortable. From managing environmental triggers to moisturizing effectively, every small change can make a big difference.
1. Keep the room cool and opt for breathable fabrics to reduce skin sensitivity at night.
2. Apply moisturizer before bed and use protective sleepwear to retain moisture.
3. Use hypoallergenic clothing and bedding and avoid rough or synthetic fabrics.
4. Choose lightweight, breathable pyjamas.
5. Create a calming bedtime routine.
6. Establish a soothing bed -time routine to reduce anxiety.
For more information, read our blog on how to manage eczema itching at night.
How can Skinakin help?
Skinakin’s eczema suits help manage these issues with their protective, breathable design. We've developed eczema relief suits with the specific needs of children with eczema in mind.
Here’s how our suits can help:
1. All-in-One Design for Full Body Protection:
Our eczema suits are designed to provide full-body coverage, including attached mitts and socks to prevent scratching. This feature helps to stop your child from accessing vulnerable areas like the arms, legs, and face, significantly reducing the chance of skin damage from scratching.
2. Breathable, Organic Materials:
Made from GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, our suits are soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin. The natural fabric helps regulate your child’s body temperature, keeping them cool and comfortable throughout the night. This reduces the risk of overheating, which is a common trigger for eczema flare-ups.
3. Moisture Retention:
One of the biggest challenges with eczema care is keeping creams and ointments in place long enough for them to be effective. Skinakin suits are designed to keep moisturizers on the skin where they’re needed, helping to lock in hydration and prevent dryness overnight.
4. No Irritating Seams or Labels: Skinakin suits are thoughtfully designed without rough seams, tags, or synthetic materials that could irritate delicate skin. The focus is on maximum comfort to help your child sleep more peacefully.
5. Durability: Our suits are made to last, so you won’t have to worry about them falling apart after a few washes. They’re built to withstand the wear and tear of active children and continuous scratching, offering protection and comfort for the long term.
Our eczema-friendly clothing is designed to protect your child’s skin, reduce scratching, and promote better sleep. If you’re looking for a solution to help your child wake up without itchy, irritated skin, give Skinakin a try.
Check out our range of eczema-friendly suits and start helping your child sleep more comfortably tonight.
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