What to do about scratching?

Info from your profile: "Wife taking care of husband, 85 in middle stage of dementia." I think one always needs to discount allergies to medications, foods, or cleaning products, or environmental causes. I'll continue on the assumption that you've talked to your doctor or pharmacist about this and that going forward you believe it is a dementia behavior. Scratching and picking are common dementia behaviors. It is sort of like OCD and some doctors prescribe psych meds for anxiety or agitation to try to address this. Keep your LO's fingernails cut very short and smooth. You can purchase special anti-strip jumpsuits so they can't undress themselves to access the places they are scratching. Others try using distraction or fidget toys to keep their hands busy. I hope you can find a solution that works!