Scratch protection
Habits and gear that limit skin damage from scratching: short smooth nails, cotton mittens or gloves at night, scratch-resistant sleepwear, and cool itch-relief habits.
Why it helps
Scratching breaks the skin, which can bring infection, scarring, and more itch. Protecting skin from nails is especially useful at night, when most people scratch without knowing it.
Look for
- Nails kept short and filed smooth, with no sharp edges
- Soft cotton mittens or gloves for sleep
- Snug, long-sleeved cotton sleepwear, or one-piece suits for children
- Seamless, soft fabrics that do not rub
- Cool habits like a cold damp cloth or patting or pressing the area instead of scratching
Avoid
- Scratching with nails, even lightly; try patting or pressing instead
- Rough wool or scratchy fabrics
- Tight mittens that cut off circulation, especially on young children
Caution
Check mittens and sleepwear on babies and young children for loose threads and a safe fit, and do not use them without supervision.
Worth asking a clinician about
Itch that wakes you at night, keeps coming back, or breaks the skin is worth asking about, since there are treatments that calm the itch itself.
Products
Burt's Bees Baby
Candy Cane Love Organic Cotton Two-Piece Pajamas
Price: medium price · For body
A snug-fit, two-piece pajama set in organic cotton for children, with a long-sleeve top and matching pants.
- GOTS
- Cotton
- Breathable
Burt's Bees Baby
Cookie Party Organic Cotton Sleep & Play
Price: medium price · For body
A one-piece footed organic cotton sleeper for babies with fold-over mitten cuffs on newborn and 0-3 month sizes.
- GOTS
- Cotton
- Breathable
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.