If your child is waking up in the middle of the night scratching and uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Nighttime itching is a common problem for children, especially those with sensitive skin or eczema. The good news is that science has provided effective, evidence-based solutions to help your child rest comfortably through the night.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the causes of nighttime itching, science-backed solutions, and the best practices for reducing nighttime discomfort using eczema-friendly clothing, natural remedies, and soothing skincare. Let’s dive into how you can stop the itch for good.
Why Does Your Child Itch at Night?
Nighttime itching can be particularly frustrating because it tends to disrupt your child's sleep cycle. For children with eczema or sensitive skin, the situation can worsen due to the body’s natural circadian rhythms, which affect skin functions like temperature regulation and water loss. As body temperature rises during sleep, the skin tends to become drier and itchier (Patel et al., 2007).
A study published in Pediatric Dermatology highlights that nocturnal pruritus (itching at night) is commonly linked to conditions like eczema, and it significantly impacts a child’s sleep quality, often leading to cognitive and behavioral issues if left untreated (Boozalis et al., 2018).
Common Causes of Nighttime Itching in Children
Knowing the cause of your child’s itching is the first step to providing relief. Here are some of the most common reasons children itch at night:
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Eczema is one of the most common causes of chronic itching at night, affecting up to 20% of children. The condition makes the skin dry, inflamed, and itchy, particularly at night due to natural changes in body temperature and skin moisture levels (Boozalis et al., 2018).
- Heat and Sweat: Overheating during sleep can lead to sweating, which can further irritate the skin, making itching worse. Children who are sensitive to heat or who sleep in non-breathable fabrics are particularly at risk (Camfferman et al., 2016).
- Allergies: Dust mites, pet dander, and even certain fabrics can trigger allergic reactions that exacerbate nighttime itching.
Science-Backed Solutions for Reducing Nighttime Itching
Based on the latest scientific research, here are the most effective strategies for reducing your child’s nighttime itching:
1. Opt for Eczema-Friendly Fabrics
Our eczema clothing is made with DreamSkin® Polymer Technology which has revolutionized the approach to managing eczema in children through specialized clothing. This patented technology creates a barrier that helps maintain optimal skin moisture and reduce flare-ups.The polymer-treated fabric effectively manage moisture, regulate body temperature, and are free from irritating chemicals and dyes. Research has shown that these features are essential for children with sensitive skin conditions, providing a comfortable and soothing experience that can significantly improve their quality of life. (Camfferman et al., 2016).
Rejuvaskin’s Skin Recovery Cream pairs perfectly with eczema-friendly clothing, offering a double layer of defense against dry, itchy skin. This cream is formulated with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and ceramides, proven to hydrate and protect the skin’s natural barrier.
2. Create a Cool Sleep Environment
Keeping your child’s room cool can help prevent sweating, which is often a trigger for nighttime itching. Studies have found that children with eczema are particularly sensitive to changes in body temperature during the night, making a cool, stable environment crucial for comfort (Patel et al., 2007). Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, and dress your child in light, breathable pajamas like Rejuvaskin’s organic cotton pajamas, which help regulate body temperature and reduce skin irritation.
3. Regular Moisturizing
Moisturizing your child’s skin regularly—especially after baths—helps maintain hydration and prevents dryness that leads to itching. Rejuvaskin’s Skin Recovery Cream is specifically designed to restore the skin’s barrier and reduce itching. Studies show that hydrating the skin regularly significantly reduces eczema symptoms and improves the quality of sleep in children (Leslie et al., 2015).
Apply moisturizer twice a day, and especially after bathing, when the skin is still slightly damp. This locks in moisture and keeps the skin hydrated throughout the night.
4. Natural Remedies for Immediate Relief
If your child needs immediate relief from nighttime itching, consider natural remedies that are scientifically proven to help. A colloidal oatmeal bath or a cool compress applied to the affected area can provide temporary relief from itching. Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and reduce redness and swelling (Leslie et al., 2015).
5. Rethink Antihistamines
Many parents turn to antihistamines for quick relief, but the science shows that sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are no more effective than a placebo in reducing eczema-related itching (Munday et al., 2002). Instead of relying on medication, focus on proper moisturizing, using natural remedies, and managing environmental factors.
When to See a Doctor
If your child’s itching persists or worsens, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. In severe cases of eczema, treatments such as wet wraps or prescription-strength ointments might be necessary (Boozalis et al., 2018).
Final Thoughts: A Restful Night is Possible
By incorporating these science-backed strategies—choosing the right fabrics, maintaining a cool environment, moisturizing regularly, and utilizing natural remedies—you can significantly reduce your child’s nighttime itching and improve their quality of sleep. With Rejuvaskin’s Skin Recovery Cream and eczema-friendly pajamas, your child can rest easy, itch-free, and wake up ready to take on the day.
Works Cited
Boozalis, E., Grossberg, A., Püttgen, K., Cohen, B., & Kwatra, S. (2018). Itching at night: A review on reducing nocturnal pruritus in children. Pediatric Dermatology, 35(4), 560–565. https://consensus.app/papers/itching-night-review-reducing-pruritus-children-boozalis/ea39403030445f0ba2295fa73c074328/?utm_source=chatgpt.
Camfferman, D., Short, M., Kennedy, J. D., Gold, M., Kohler, M., & Lushington, K. (2016). Thermoregulation, scratch, itch and sleep deficits in children with eczema. Sleep Medicine, 25, 145–150. https://consensus.app/papers/thermoregulation-scratch-itch-sleep-deficits-children-camfferman/1ff80517b57c526498663a4fff4164e6/?utm_source=chatgpt.
Leslie, T., Greaves, M., & Yosipovitch, G. (2015). Current topical and systemic therapies for itch. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, 226, 337–356. https://consensus.app/papers/systemic-therapies-itch-leslie/d253ab80949957ac84145c3cbe68f864/?utm_source=chatgpt.
Munday, J., Bloomfield, R., Goldman, M., Robey, H., Kitowska, G., Gwiezdziski, Z., Wankiewicz, A., Marks, R., Protas-Drozd, F., & Mikaszewska, M. (2002). Chlorpheniramine is no more effective than placebo in relieving the symptoms of childhood atopic dermatitis with a nocturnal itching and scratching component. Dermatology, 205(1), 40–45. https://consensus.app/papers/chlorpheniramine-more-effective-placebo-relieving-munday/cc174b7812d4581a89f9a9dbf122e7c6/?utm_source=chatgpt.
Patel, T. S., Ishiuji, Y., & Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Nocturnal itch: Why do we itch at night? Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 87(4), 295–298. https://consensus.app/papers/itch-itch-night-patel/39be14efceba55118cdd548e132e5318/?utm_source=chatgpt.