<s>[INST] What is the scratch and itch cycle of eczema? [/INST] The scratch and itch cycle of eczema can cause discomfort, disrupt sleep and affect quality of life:

In people with eczema the skin does not retain moisture very well, which causes it to dry out easily.
This makes the skin more open to allergens and irritants, which can trigger the skin to release chemicals that make the skin itchy.
Scratching itchy skin causes more chemicals to be released, making the skin feel itchier.
If eczema is well managed this can avoid the scratch and itch cycle. It is therefore important to keep skin that is prone to eczema well moisturised, by using moisturising creams on the skin every day. Source: ASCIA. Link: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/skin-allergy/eczema. Field: Dermatology. Disease: Eczema </s>