Eczema is a constant battle that many will have to contain throughout their lifestyle with many Eczema triggers around them. Triggers can cause rashes on their skin, which can lead to redness, itching, and discomfort. To prevent and control the condition’s symptoms, it is important that we are able to identify and manage the triggers that may be the lying cause.
It should be noted that often young children develop Eczema, but symptoms can be improved with age depending on your family history. Despite this, triggers are the most significant factors in developing the severity of the condition.
Eczema Triggers: Food Allergy
Do you pay attention to what it is actually in your food? Consuming food that you are sensitive to can trigger your eczema. It is even more likely to occur for babies and children, and they have no control over what they can consume!
We have an article on the matter, explaining what food has the most common Eczema triggers and the possible side effects. To view the article, click here.
Everyone will have a different food trigger, but usually, it is commonly tied to foods that have common allergy causes like:
- cow’s milk
- eggs
- nuts
- seafood and shellfish
It should also be noted that allergies or sensitive reactions can develop as you get older. For example, as I got older I developed a lactose sensitivity, meaning that any dairy I consumed caused a mild reaction to my Eczema.
An allergy test is highly recommended, but it is possible to identify your suspected food trigger by doing an elimination diet.
Eczema Triggers: Irritants
We need to consider what our skin comes in contact with everyday. How we wash our clothes tends to get overlooked on, as detergents can have irritating chemicals and other substances that can be a major trigger for Eczema.
Throughout our website, we always mention how important it is to check what ingredients are in a product. Harmful ingredients can worsen Eczema symptoms quickly. Ingredients such as fragrances and dyes are common ingredients in many shelved products.
Check all your home products to ensure that they are free from irritants. It is highly recommended you check your laundry detergent first as you will come in contact with the chemicals on a consistent daily basis.
Have you ever taken a swim in the pool and notice your skin becoming more red? It may be because of the chemical chlorine in the swimming pool. It goes to show how fast a chemical can have an impact on your skin.
It should be noted that substances, like fabrics, should be checked as well. Natural fabrics like cotton are compatible with Eczema. Wash clothes regularly to remove any unwanted chemicals from them (ensure that your detergent is irritant-free!).
Eczema Triggers: Mental Health
Something that is not highlighted enough. Mental health has a massive contribution to the management and control of Eczema. Maintaining stress levels can have a significant impact on your Eczema.
Research has proven that stress has the capability of worsening Eczema because of how the trigger affects the immune system and skin barrier in your body.
There are many ways of maintaining stress levels. Finding a way to relax is dependent on the person’s preferences, some suggestions are:
- walking outside
- trying mediation
- practicing yoga
A decent nights sleep goes a long way. Getting enough sleep can reduce stress and help your body regenerate. More sleep has many beneficial factors.
Eczema Triggers: Infections
Opened and exposed skin can let viruses into your body, which can lead to worsening Eczema symptoms and infection. For any infections, you should see a doctor immediately to get treated, which may include getting antibiotics.
If your skin becomes redder than normal or weepy, then most likely the area is infected and must be seen immediately.
Don’t scratch! Easier said than done, but the most common cause of skin breaking out and being left open for infection is damaged skin caused by scratching with nails. Our nails contain a lot of bacteria, as we use our hands for most of our everyday tasks and come into contact with various different things. When you scratch, you are impaling the skin and releasing the bacteria that is stored in your body. Not great!
If you are ‘itchy’ and need help with soothing your Eczema, check out our top 10 tips for soothing Eczema here!
Eczema Triggers: Sweat
Believe it or not, sweat can have a serious impact on your Eczema! The main function of sweat is to help your body regulate its temperature, but did you know it can affect the moisture of your skin?
In rare cases, you can be allergic to your own sweat. Even if you don’t have an allergy, Eczema can actually block sweat and not allow it to leave your body, resulting in you overheating and your Eczema symptoms getting worse. It is the main reason why you may feel very itchy when you are sweating, it is your skin not being able to release the sweat naturally!
Now with this information about sweat, you shouldn’t be discouraged from exercising! Sweat is a natural occurrence, you just need to manage it effectively. Consider your environment, wear appropriate clothing and ensure that you are able to shower/remoisturize soon after sweating excessively.
I know from personal experience that sweat is the main cause of itchiness for me. Tied in a very hot and humid country (Hong Kong), I needed a good after exercise routine to ensure my skin had the opportunity to recover.
Eczema Triggers: Airborne Allergens
What we inhale can cause our Eczema to trigger as our immune system may be reacting to an airborne allergen. Some common airborne allergens are:
- smoke
- mold
- dust
- pollen
For myself, mold was a big one. In my bedroom I had mold growing in the corner of the room and I didn’t notice. Once I did a thorough clean of my room, getting rid of all the mold particles that I can visibly see, my skin and health got instantly better!
It is possible to get an allergen test to determine if you have an allergic reaction to any of these allergens. It is possible to get allergy shots or any kind of allergy over-the-counter treatments to help.
Again like the previous suggestions, consider your environment. Reduce your exposure by eliminating the problem or containing it. A clean environment will be setting up for success!
Do you have any triggers that you want to share? Have a look and post in our Facebook Group!