Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in the UK, affecting 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 5 children. If you or your child suffer from eczema, you’ll know that managing the itch-scratch cycle can feel impossible. Traditional advice like “just stop scratching” rarely helps—in fact, it often makes the urge worse. Fortunately, new solutions are emerging, including safe scratching devices designed to relieve itching without causing further damage.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchiness, dryness, rashes, and irritation. It can vary in severity, from mild flare-ups to painful, cracked skin. There are seven different types of eczema, including:

• Atopic dermatitis – The most common form, often linked to allergies.
• Contact dermatitis – Triggered by irritants or allergens.
• Dyshidrotic eczema – Characterised by small, itchy blisters on hands and feet.
• Nummular eczema – Presents as round, coin-shaped spots on the skin.
• Seborrheic dermatitis – Affects the scalp, often leading to dandruff.
• Stasis dermatitis – Related to circulation issues, usually in the lower legs.

Why the Itch-Scratch Cycle is So Hard to Break

For many people with eczema, the itchiness can be relentless. Scratching might bring short-term relief, but it often leads to broken skin, infections, and even worse itching.

For parents of young children with eczema, managing scratching can be particularly challenging. Night-time itching can lead to sleepless nights, discomfort, and increased stress for the whole family. Combine it with common childhood illnesses like chickenpox and it’s game-over.

Traditional Eczema Treatments & Their Limitations

Many people use topical steroids to manage eczema, and while they can be effective, long-term use carries risks, including Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). This condition can cause severe flare-ups, burning sensations, and skin thinning after discontinuing steroids. Suffers often talk about “trying everything” – which often includes numerous creams and lotions. Some of these work initially but then cease to be effective long-term.

As avoiding scratching altogether isn’t realistic, the team at Cosi Care developed a safer way to manage the need to scratch, without damaging the skin or increasing infection risk.

Safe Scratching: A New Way to Relieve Itching

Cosi Care’s world-first safe scratching devices offer instant itch relief without causing harm. These tools are specifically designed to mimic the sensation of scratching while reducing the risk of bleeding, tearing, or infection.

How Safe Scratching Works

✅ The Scratch Star (£55) – Features fingernail-like bumps and a cooling roller to relieve itching safely. ✅ The Scratch Attack Roller (£40) – A portable device that cools and soothes the skin, helping to break the itch-scratch cycle. ✅The Bumpy Ball (£25) – They combined the fingernail-like, bumpy texture of the Scratch Star with the cooling massage sensation of the Scratch Attack Roller – to give you the world’s first rolling itch relief ball.

✅ Medically Tested & Regulated – Both devices are UK & EU medically graded, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Rather than telling eczema sufferers to simply “stop scratching”, Cosi Care’s approach recognises the need for instant relief while protecting the skin from further damage.

Personal Experience: Trying Safe Scratching with My Son

As a parent of a child with eczema, I know first-hand how frustrating and distressing the itch-scratch cycle can be. My 11-year-old son has suffered from eczema since he was three, and we have tried countless methods to help manage his symptoms. Recently, we’ve been testing Cosi Care’s safe scratching devices, and so far, so good. He finds them cooling and a great distraction, which has made a real difference in managing his itching.

Having a tool that allows him to relieve the itch without worsening his skin has been a game-changer. Instead of the usual “stop scratching” advice, he now has a way to safely satisfy the urge while preventing further damage.

Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for Eczema Management

If you or your child struggle with eczema, breaking the itch-scratch cycle is key to preventing further irritation. Safe scratching devices like those from Cosi Care offer an innovative, dermatologist-approved way to relieve itching without harming the skin.

It’s time to rethink how we support eczema sufferers. Instead of unhelpful advice, let’s embrace practical, safe solutions that provide real relief.

The Cosi Care Puffer Itch Roller (£30) and the Bumpy Ball (£25) are available from www.cosi-care.com