Common Eczema Triggers Revealed!

ALLERGENS.

Many may not realize that typical allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold can cause inflammatory responses, triggering itchy, inflamed skin, especially during the warmer seasons. Make your home an allergy-free zone by vacuuming and wet-dusting frequently, keeping soft children's & pets' toys (which trap dust) to a minimum and washing them often.  Also, groom your pets regularly.  

ENVIRONMENT.

Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold conditions), extended sun exposure, humidity, pollutants, and tertiary cigarette smoke are some of the environmental conditions which can contribute to eczema flares.  Try to keep all air ducts and filters cleaned and/or replaced regularly to provide the cleanest environment possible.  If you are a smoker, and live with someone who has eczema, try to practice this habit outside or in a well ventilated area.  Also, wear sunscreen when outdoors in direct sun exposure for extended periods of time. 

The American Academy of Dermatology regularly recommends using a sunscreen which is minimum SPF-30, water-resistant and broad spectrum.  Also, consider a sunscreen for sensitive skin, if you are a chronic eczema sufferer.  

FOODS.

Research suggests roughly one (1) out of ten (10) children with eczema experiences symptoms caused by food allergies. In general, children under age 5 with severe eczema also may have a food allergy, most commonly triggered by milk, eggs, nuts, seeds or wheat.  If your baby or small child has continuous itchy, patchy dry skin, it may be best to ask their pediatrician about an allergy test to determine if there are any food allergies which may be impacting your child's skin.  Try to keep your child's refined sugar, carbohydrate and processed food consumption to a minimum.  Try to keep fresh fruits and veggies in your child's diet to promote the development of a healthy integumentary system.

SOAP, DETERGENTS, & CLEANSING AGENTS.

Many soaps, disinfectants and synthetic fragrances can worsen eczema for children and adults.  Every day consumer products that may cause flares include: scented detergents, dryer sheets, bubble bath and some hair shampoos; cleaning products and disinfectants including chlorine, and fabric dyes. 

THINGS TO REMEMBER:  Always wear gloves when handling cleaning agents.  Wash new clothes before they are worn and consider using dye-free and fragrance-free detergents.  Open a window and/or turn on a fan to ensure good ventilation when using harsh disinfectants and cleaning agents.  Wash your hands and all skin surfaces impacted after handling harsh cleaners.

STRESS.

While stress doesn’t directly cause eczema, symptoms may worsen as the result of tension, anger or frustration. Consistent stress in the home, workplace or other reoccuring spaces may contribute to quicker or more reoccuring eczema flare ups.  Even for children, constant stress in your child's daily environment (daycare, school, etc) may increase the reoccurence of eczema flares.  Stress also can cause habit scratching, which perpetuates the itch-scratch cycle. Keep your child’s fingernails short and consider cotton gloves or mittens if your child tends to scratch while sleeping.  For adults, try to keep your workspace, home frequently-used-surfaces, and general working environments disinfected and resonating with fragrances that invoke warmth, clarity of mind, calm and peace such as lavender, amber, ginger, and any that you may utilize.