Factors that Worsen Eczema

The exact cause of eczema remains unknown. Some people suffer from atopic eczema without an apparent reason. Still, some flare-ups happen due to triggers.

An itchy, red patch on your skin may appear harmless, until an irritation occurs and you begin to scratch it. A visit to your dermatologist reveals it is actually eczema.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a medical skin condition characterized by scaly, dry, itchy and inflamed skin. In babies, eczema often appears on the face and scalp; adults and older children usually have the rashes on the backs of their knees, elbow creases, neck and face.

The exact cause of eczema remains unknown. It is a skin condition that comes and goes. Flare ups may be caused by common triggers.

To help you manage the condition, consider the following steps:

Check Your Make-Up Kit

Cosmetics are common culprits behind eczema flare ups. Products containing fragrance, alcohol, lanolin, and other preservatives trigger rashes.

When it comes to cosmetics, always check the labels. “Fragrance-free” or “preservative-free” products might seem like safe choices. In some cases, however, these products use chemicals to “mask” undesirable odors from the ingredients. There’s no guarantee these chemicals will not trigger flare ups.

When trying out make-up, lotions, or facial cleansers, test it out on a small part of the skin before buying. This somehow gives you an idea if a product will lead to an irritation or not.

Watch What You Eat

It’s important to pay attention to what you eat. Certain types of food can trigger eczema too. Eating eggs, soya, wheat, fish, nuts, and cow’s milk may worsen your skin condition.

Talk to your doctor if you wish to know your allergies. Several tests reveal potential food allergies; these include blood tests and skin prick tests. A food challenge is also one way to determine if a food type is an eczema trigger.

Manage Your Stress

Stress is a part of everyday life. Although we don’t really know exactly how stress triggers flare ups, we know that both emotional and physical stress can lead to recurrence of eczema rashes.

Completely removing stress is impossible, but a few techniques might help. Start by perfecting the art of deep breathing or practicing yoga. You can also join a support group. Practice relaxation techniques and stick to your eczema plan to keep the flare-ups under control, especially during times of stress.

Clear the Dust

Dust mites can trigger eczema in children. Keeping dust at a minimum keeps the itchy rash away. Getting rid of rugs, carpets, and blinds— all of which hold dust —washing bed linens and curtains in hot water can surely help.

Eczema need not be a part of your daily life. In addition to medication, healthy practices help you and the family keep eczema flare ups at bay.