User guide

This guide is designed to help you get the most out of the programme.

13+

Scratch Less has been co-designed with people with itchy eczema.

The programme is divided into 3 parts which are best done a week apart.

It is a different type of programme to others you may have tried.

Itching (the sensation) and scratching (the behaviour) are both difficult to manage when you have eczema and can impact daily life and sleep.

Overview

Scratch Less is a behaviour modification programme designed to help notice itching and scratching and then reduce a behaviour (the scratching) which damages the skin and causes more itching.

You can benefit from this programme if your skin is itchy and want to try to reduce scratching and damage to your skin.

Overview

Part 1 helps you really understand eczema and when to use the creams/ointments you have been given.

Part 2 explains the itch-scratch cycle and how to help you notice and record your scratching.

Part 3 explains other things you can do when you notice your itchy skin instead of scratching.

The programme is divided into 3 parts which are best done a week apart:

Each part will take 15-20 minutes to go through.

About the structure

Plan ahead for when you have a bit of time and a quiet place to go through the programme each week.

How to get the most out the programme

Download the booklet provided so that you can document scratching during week 2.

Decide if you would like to use a handheld clicker counter or an app on your phone.

It might help to talk to loved ones about times that your skin is particularly itchy (Part 2) and write these down in your booklet.

It might help to talk to loved ones and ask them for their encouragement in trying new tools instead of scratching (Part 3).

Remember eczema and itchy skin goes up and down so you may need to remind yourself what to do if your skin flares (Part 1).

Thanks for reading the user guide!

You might want to bookmark this guide to come back to it throughout the programme.