Common eczema triggers can include skin products, diet, and hormonal fluctuations. You may be able to reduce flare-ups with preventive measures, such as keeping your skin moisturized.
Eczema is an inflammatory condition that can cause skin itchiness, dryness, discoloration, and inflammation.
The root cause of eczema
Several triggers can affect the skin barrier in people with eczema, which can cause inflammation. A flare-up is the physical manifestation of that inflammation.
Eczema triggers vary for each person, so identifying yours can help you prevent and manage them effectively.
Read on to learn more about eczema triggers and flare-ups and how you can work with your own body to ease the symptoms.
When your skin becomes too dry, it can feel tight, rough, or even scaly.
According to the National Eczema Association, dry skin increases the risk of experiencing an eczema flare. You may also end up scratching dry skin, which can cause further irritation.
Keeping your skin moisturized, especially in dry climates, is one effective way to combat dry skin.
Emotional stress and anxiety don’t cause eczema. However, they’re a common trigger for eczema, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
The body releases a hormone called cortisol when it’s under stress. When excessive cortisol is released due to chronic or severe stress, it can dysregulate the immune system, leading to an inflammatory response in the skin.
Some ways to help manage stress
- exercising regularly
- eating a balanced diet
- writing in a journal
- practicing meditation, deep breathing, and yoga
- connecting with friends and family members
If you’re experiencing difficulty managing stress, speak with a healthcare professional. They can help develop a management plan for you, which may include talk therapy or medications.
Changes in the weather may affect your eczema.
It’s not entirely clear why changes in the weather can trigger eczema, but some
Noticing which type of weather affects your skin the most can help you determine how to manage flare-ups.
To help manage eczema flare-ups during cold, dry weather, consider trying:
- regularly moisturizing with an emollient
- keeping your room well ventilated and humidified
- wearing warm clothing made of 100% cotton
If hot, humid weather affects you, try to maintain a stable body temperature and reduce sweating by wearing loose, cotton clothing and staying hydrated.
Food allergies
- cow’s milk
- eggs
- peanuts
- wheat
- fish
- shellfish
- soybeans
- tree nuts
- sesame
Similarly, you might experience an eczema flare-up after you consume foods and ingredients that are known to be inflammatory. Examples include added sugars and refined carbohydrates, among others.
If you’ve been noticing a connection between eczema flares and certain foods, talk with a doctor and a certified dietitian to see whether eliminating those foods for a period of time might help.
Many scented products can worsen or trigger eczema symptoms. This is referred to as contact dermatitis, a condition in which coming into contact with an external irritant triggers an inflammatory response and rash.
Some common examples of scented products that may trigger eczema flares include:
- laundry detergents
- perfumes
- hand soaps
- shower gels
- moisturizing lotions
Consider looking for hypoallergenic, scent-free products to help reduce the risk of eczema triggers. Closely monitor your symptoms after starting a new product. If your symptoms worsen, discontinue use.
Sometimes, it’s not just the detergent or scented product that causes an eczema flare, but the actual fabrics you’re wearing.
Some fabrics that more commonly trigger eczema flare-ups include wool, polyester, and nylon. Instead, try wearing clothing made from 100% cotton, silk, or bamboo, as these are softer.
Alternatively, consider wearing an extra layer under the garment to protect your skin.
Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but if you have eczema, it’s possible that sweating a lot could trigger a flare.
According to the National Eczema Association, the sodium in sweat can further dehydrate and irritate the skin.
If you notice eczema flares after exercising, consider reducing the intensity of your workout or scheduling your sessions for a cooler time of day.
Other tips to help manage eczema symptoms during exercise include:
- drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise
- keeping a fan nearby (if possible)
- moisturizing before and after exercise
- wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
- blotting your sweat as often as you can with a towel
- taking a short, lukewarm shower after completing your workout
Hormonal changes may also trigger eczema symptoms.
For instance,
While hormonal fluctuations are completely normal, if you notice a connection between periods of your menstrual cycle and eczema flare-ups, speak with a doctor about possible remedies that may provide relief.
Saliva or drooling doesn’t cause eczema, but it can dry out a baby’s skin and cause itchy, discolored patches on the skin to develop around the mouth, cheeks, and chin.
To avoid this, apply lotions or creams that are safe for sensitive skin, such as petroleum jelly.
Several other products, environmental irritants, and ingredients may irritate your skin and trigger eczema. These may include:
- cigarette smoke
- metals, such as nickel
- certain antibacterial topicals
- dust or dust mites
- materials, such as latex
- viral illness, such as COVID-19
- bacteria on the skin, such as Staphylococcus
If home remedies, lifestyle changes, or avoiding known triggers aren’t enough to reduce your eczema flare-ups, speak with a healthcare professional, such as a primary care doctor or dermatologist.
They can help develop an appropriate treatment plan that may include:
- over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as antihistamines
- prescription topicals, which are medications applied to the skin
- biologics, which are typically given via subcutaneous injection
- oral immunosuppressants
- light therapy
Find a medical specialist in your area today
Your healthcare team may comprise several people who can provide support.
Sometimes, a medical specialist will be required to help diagnose, manage, or treat a healthcare condition.
You can find the following medical specialists in your area today:
Both adults and children can experience the same triggers for flare-ups, and this can vary from person to person. That said, there can be some differences. For example, emotional factors such as stress may be more significant triggers for adults than for children.
There’s no cure for eczema, and it’s a chronic condition. However, it’s possible to manage the symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
In most cases, an eczema flare-up should clear within a few days to a week. If not, you’re either still being exposed to a trigger or you may need stronger medication.
Many of the same triggers that may cause flare-ups anywhere on the body can trigger flare-ups of eczema on the face. This includes, for example, using a fragranced or irritating facial skin care product. In children, this can sometimes be due to drooling and saliva on the face.
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that may cause dry, itchy, and discolored skin.
Some triggers, such as environmental irritants, exercises, and fluctuating temperatures, could cause eczema symptoms to appear or worsen.
Managing your eczema flare-ups may involve avoiding known triggers and making lifestyle changes that lessen the potential of flares.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure how to manage your triggers. They can help develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.