5 Common Eczema Triggers to Stay Mindful Of

Eczema is an extremely common condition that affects between 10 and 20% of infants. While most outgrow it, the condition may continue to affect you into childhood and as you age. It’s estimated eczema affects around 31 million people in the United States alone. 

Though this condition can’t be cured, it can be managed through many treatment options commonly known as cosmetic dermatology. Furthermore, one of the best things you can do to prevent the acute symptoms of eczema is to avoid the five most common triggers associated with the condition. 

At Dr. Malouf Dermatology, our team that includes Peter Malouf, DO, Amanda Miller, FNP-C, and Haylee Terry, PA-C, provides treatments for eczema and many other skin conditions as well as some of the best options for general, aesthetic, and cosmetic dermatology. 

5 common triggers for eczema 

The actual cause of eczema is still unknown. Those with overactive immune systems are more likely to experience skin rashes, itchiness, dryness, and swelling associated with atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. 

If you have eczema, you may notice yourself having breakouts at certain times but not others. This could be because certain triggers activate your immune response. Whenever possible, avoiding — or managing — the triggers listed below can help minimize your eczema symptoms. 

1. Weather

Believe it or not, certain types of weather can cause your eczema symptoms to flare up. The most common trigger associated with the weather is dryness or low humidity. If you’re especially used to a high-humidity climate, you might notice this even more when you move to one of low humidity. 

In a low-humidity environment, it’s common for your skin to lose moisture, which makes it drier. This is also why eczema sufferers are more likely to experience symptoms in the winter when humidity is lower compared to summer. Making sure to moisturize in the winter and low-humidity climates can help. 

2. Certain products 

People with eczema may notice certain products can exacerbate their condition. These can be any products that regularly come in contact with the skin, such as: 

• Soap or lotion 
• Detergent 
• Clothing or types of fabric 
• Makeup 

For example, soaps with high alkaline content often exacerbate eczema symptoms. Also, wearing certain synthetic fabrics or makeup and using highly fragranced detergent can cause problems. Sticking with natural, sensitive skin products is often the best move. 

3. Allergens

From dust mites to animal dander to pollen, if you already know of certain allergens that affect you, it’s best to avoid them to keep your symptoms from flaring up. Often, allergic reactions and eczema go hand-in-hand. 

However, if you’re not sure if you suffer from certain allergies, it may be time to find out if one is causing your eczema to flare up. 

4. Hot water

Taking a lot of hot baths or showers can cause your symptoms to flare up, especially if you don’t moisturize afterward. In the same vein as the issue with low humidity, hot water can leach out your skin’s natural moisture, leading to dryness and rashes. 

5. Stress

Yes, it’s true that stress or other types of high-key emotions can lead to eczema symptoms. For this reason — and for so many others — it’s worth learning to manage stress in a safe, healthy way. 

Busting eczema symptoms with treatment 

Though eczema can’t be cured, it can be managed by moisturizing, avoiding common triggers, and getting treatments like IPL. 

To learn more, make an appointment at our Dallas, Fort Worth, or Cleburne, Texas, office today. Appointments can be made online or over the phone. Reach out now; we’re here to help!