Since eczema has no cure, it’s important for people to understand what triggers the condition. Certain elements might lead to an outbreak that involves itchy, red, and scaly skin. Luckily, many of these triggers are preventable. You can lower your chances of experiencing uncomfortable eczema symptoms by avoiding these triggers and hydrating your skin. Talk to your doctor or search online to find out what could be impacting your eczema.
Many triggers for eczema are just basic things you encounter on a daily basis. Search online to learn more about potential eczema triggers.
Here are seven eczema triggers you might not be aware of.
1. Temperature
Does your eczema ever flare up during certain times of the year? That’s because temperature is often a trigger for skin irritation. Whether it’s cold or hot weather, eczema can be triggered depending on the season and weather forecast.
For example, cold air can dry out your skin and remove natural moisture. This dryness can lead to itching and escalate to inflammation and redness. It’s important to moisturize throughout the day to keep the skin healthy. During hot weather, your sweat can also lead to itchy skin. Drink plenty of fluids, wear sunscreen, and do your best to avoid sweating excessively.
2. Chemicals and Detergents
Exposing your skin to certain chemicals and formulas could lead to irritation, such as cleaning products and scented laundry detergents that are sensitive to the skin. To protect your eczema-prone skin, wear gloves when using harsh chemicals. Use natural products and switch to a fragrance-free detergent to avoid irritating the skin while you’re wearing clothes after washes.
3. Fabrics
Not only can the detergent you’re using trigger eczema, but so can the type of fabrics you’re wearing. For example, wool and mohair can be rough on the skin. There are also synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and rayon that can make you sweat and lead to itchiness.
Be mindful of the clothes you wear by choosing loose and absorbent pieces. Cotton is cooling and silk is gentle. Both fabrics will draw moisture and keep it away from the skin. Also avoid wearing tight clothing to help the body breathe.
4. Airborne Allergies
Airborne allergies can lead to sneezing and dry eyes, and they can also flare-up your eczema. Things like dust mites, pet dander, and mold can exist in your house and bother the skin. While some medications may be able to help manage this trigger, it’s important for you to keep your house allergen-free by dusting, vacuuming, and changing your bedding regularly.
5. Eating Certain Foods
In some eczema cases, your diet could be a reason why you’re experiencing an outbreak. If a food is linked to your eczema, that reaction will typically occur six to 25 hours after consumption. Common inflammatory foods and ingredients are sugar, refined carbs, gluten, red meats, and dairy.
Find out which foods are linked to your condition through a process of elimination. Keep record with a food diary and write down any symptoms that occur after eating. If you notice a pattern after a few weeks, it might be best to stop eating that particular food.
Alternatively, you could add certain foods to your diet that are known to be anti-inflammatory. Food high in probiotics, omega-3, and flavonoids could potentially reduce eczema flare-ups. Some foods that fall under these categories include, fish, apples, broccoli, cherries, yogurt, and spinach.
6. Stress and Anxiety
Although stress and anxiety don’t directly cause eczema, it’s possible they will provoke symptoms. Some people might mindlessly scratch their skin when anxious and trigger eczema. Alternatively, the body might release cortisol when you’re stressed that can lead to inflammation throughout the body. These irritating skin factors can worsen eczema and lead to an uncomfortable outbreak.
7. Exercise
Being active is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. But the sweat and tight clothes often associated with a workout can aggravate the skin and impact your eczema. To avoid a workout that does more harm than good, exercise during cooler temperatures so you don’t sweat excessively. Make sure to wear looser clothing and shower immediately after to rid your body of any sweat or build up that occurred.
Search Online for More Common Eczema Triggers
You can’t cure eczema, but you can try to limit the severity of your condition. Taking the time to monitor your symptoms and being mindful of certain elements might help you prevent a severe eczema outbreak. Find out about other possible factors triggering your condition with a quick search online and see the safer alternatives people are using.