Eczema is a common skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed patches to appear on the skin. While there is no cure for eczema, there are some things that can make symptoms worse. Knowing what these triggers are can help you take steps to reduce your risk of flares and manage your eczema better.
Environmental Triggers
Environmental triggers are things in your environment that can cause your eczema to flare. These triggers can include:
Temperature change: Exposure to sudden changes in temperature can irritate the skin and cause eczema to flare.
Humidity: Low humidity can cause the skin to become dry and irritated, which can make eczema worse.
Dry air: Dry air can cause the skin to become dry and itchy, which can make eczema worse.
Irritants: Chemicals and other irritants can cause the skin to become inflamed, which can make eczema worse.
Allergens: Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen can trigger an allergic reaction, which can make eczema worse.
Lifestyle Triggers
Lifestyle triggers are things you do that can make your eczema worse. These triggers can include:
Stress: Stress can cause hormones to be released, which can cause the skin to become inflamed and make eczema worse.
Sweating: Sweating can cause the skin to become itchy and irritated, which can make eczema worse.
Clothing: Wearing clothes that are too tight or made of materials that are irritating can cause the skin to become itchy and inflamed, which can make eczema worse.
Diet: Eating certain foods can trigger an allergic reaction, which can make eczema worse.
Prevention
The best way to manage eczema is to avoid triggers. You can do this by:
Using a humidifier : A humidifier can help keep the air in your home moist, which can help prevent the skin from becoming dry and irritated.
Avoiding irritants: Avoiding harsh chemicals and other irritants can help reduce the risk of flares.
Wearing loose clothing: Wearing loose-fitting clothing can help reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Managing stress: Stress can make eczema worse, so it's important to find ways to manage stress.
Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of flares.
By taking steps to avoid triggers and manage your eczema, you can help reduce your risk of flares and manage your eczema better.