Eczema Causes and Triggers: How to Reduce Your Risk of Flare-ups

Do you suffer from eczema? If so, you know that it can be a frustrating condition to deal with. Not only is eczema unsightly, but it can also be quite painful.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of eczema and the triggers that can cause flare-ups. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce your risk of experiencing a flare-up.

If you or your child suffer from eczema, it is important to be aware of the possible causes and triggers. By understanding the causes, you can take steps to reduce your risk of flare-ups. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Food intolerances and food allergies. The most common is cow's milk.

When it comes to eczema, food intolerances and allergies are common causes. The most common food allergy that causes eczema is cow's milk. If you suspect that you or your child may have a food intolerance or allergy, it is important to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can order allergy tests to see what specifically might be triggering the flare-up with food intolerance testing.

Soaps can trigger flare-ups in children.

When it comes to eczema, children are especially susceptible to flare-ups from soaps, especially fragrance soaps and bubble baths. This is because their skin is more delicate and sensitive. Soaps that contain fragrances or other chemicals can trigger a flare-up. It is important to only use mild, unscented soaps on children with eczema.

Gut health is related to eczema rashes.

There is a strong link between eczema and gut health. Many eczema sufferers also suffer from gut problems such as leaky gut syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome. If you have eczema, it is important to speak with your doctor about your gut health. They may recommend Probiotics or other supplements to help.

Pollens can also trigger a flare-up.

Another common trigger for eczema is pollen. Keep your child from lying on the grass during the grass pollen season. If you or your child are allergic to pollen, it is important to avoid exposure as much as possible. This means keeping windows closed during pollen season and avoiding activities such as lying directly on the grass.

Heat and sweating are major factors in eczema rashes.

Heat and sweating can also trigger eczema flare-ups. This is why it is important to keep cool and dry, especially during hot weather or when exercising. If you or your child start to sweat, be sure to immediately remove any wet clothing and pat the skin dry. We recommend using our bamboo blankets to keep your child cosy yet not too hot to ensure they are not sweating in the middle of the night when you are trying to rest.

 

 

Surface cleaners and disinfectants.

Surface cleaners and disinfectants can irritate the skin when the skin is in contact with it even indirectly.  We often use gloves when using these products to protect our hands with good reason. This is because many cleaning products contain chemicals that can irritate the skin. Cleaning products are another common trigger for eczema flare-ups as the chemicals are abrasive and have many ingredients that simply use blanket terms that don't even properly disclose the ingredients in the products. If you have eczema, it is important to choose natural, unscented cleaning products.

Laundry detergents and fabric softeners with chemical additives.

Laundry detergents and fabric softeners are other common triggers for eczema flare-ups. This is because they often contain chemicals that can irritate the skin. If you have eczema, it is important to choose natural, unscented laundry products. We recommend a line of eczema-safe laundry products which are often found at the natural pharmacies or natural food stores in your area.

Certain fabrics like wool or polyester in clothing and sheets can lead to further irritation.

Certain fabrics can also trigger eczema flare-ups. This is because they can irritate the skin. Especially irritating fabrics include wool, polyester, and cotton-polyester blends. If you have eczema, it is important to choose natural fabrics such as bamboo or cotton. Bamboo is especially good for eczema as it is soft and gentle and reduces the heat being less irritating to the eczema rashes.

Infections can lead to eczema rashes.

Infections are another common trigger for eczema flare-ups. This is because they can irritate the skin and cause inflammation. If you have eczema, it is important to speak with your doctor if you think you may have an infection. They may prescribe a topical cream or oral medication to help clear the infection and reduce irritation from an inside approach to the rashes.

Allergens are another common trigger for eczema flare-ups.

Allergens such as pet dander, pollen, or dust may lead to eczema. This is because they can irritate the skin and cause inflammation. If you have eczema, it is important to speak with your doctor if you think you may be allergic to something. They may prescribe a topical cream or oral medication to help reduce irritation from an inside approach to the rashes. Some common allergens that trigger eczema flare-ups include pet dander, pollen, dust, and mold.

Stress can make eczema worse.

Stress is another common trigger for eczema flare-ups. This is because stress can weaken the immune system and lead to inflammation. If you or your child has eczema, it is important to manage your stress levels through relaxation techniques or creating the most peaceful environment possible.

Eczema and the immune system.

If you have eczema, your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens. This overreaction can inflame your skin.  Your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens. This overreaction can inflame your skin and cause eczema flare-ups. If you have eczema, it is important to avoid triggers that may cause your immune system to overreact. Some common triggers include stress, certain fabrics, cleaning products, and laundry products. You may also be more likely to have a flare-up if you are infected with a virus or bacteria.

Eczema flare-ups can be painful and uncomfortable. They can cause itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting of the skin. 

What can you do to help reduce your chances of developing eczema? 

The best place to start is by evaluating your diet. If you think you may have a food intolerance, try eliminating that food from your diet for a few weeks and see if your symptoms improve. 

Soaps are a common trigger for eczema flare-ups. Any kind of product that comes into contact with your skin can be a potential irritant. This includes laundry detergents, fabric softeners, surface cleaners, and disinfectants. If you have eczema, it’s important to read the labels on all of the products. You should also avoid harsh soaps and surface cleaners, as well as laundry detergents and fabric softeners with chemical additives. 

Be careful when selecting fabrics- some materials are more likely to trigger eczema than others.

 Another factor that can contribute to eczema is gut health. A study published in the journal “Science Translational Medicine” found that people who had disrupted gut bacteria were more likely to suffer from eczema than those with healthy gut flora. The researchers believe that probiotics may help.

Lastly, If you experience any flare-ups, consult your doctor as it may be an internal trigger causing the inflammation.