Eczema is a relatively common skin condition characterized by a persistent, uncomfortable rash. Your eczema might look red and itchy. It could come with scaly, thickened patches of skin or raised bumps. And the itching and discomfort that accompanies eczema could get in the way of your quality of life.
Ultimately, if you live with eczema, you want to find relief. We’re here to help. Our LUX Dermatology team specializes in treating eczema and offers care from our offices throughout California and Nevada. Our team also wants to help you minimize your eczema flare-ups at home, so we gathered up this list of five common triggers.
Eczema causes dry skin, but the relationship can work in the opposite direction, too. When your skin doesn’t have a sufficient moisture barrier, your risk for an eczema flare goes up. In fact, medical experts mark dry skin as a leading cause of atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema.
To prevent your skin from drying out, take warm — not hot — baths and showers and apply moisturizer right afterward.
The way you’re feeling can show itself on your skin. Researchers have linked stress and eczema.
When you’re overwhelmed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. This causes changes in your skin that can trigger a flare-up and make the eczema flare last longer.
This can be a self-perpetuating problem, since thinking about your eczema can make you stressed. Fortunately, things like getting enough sleep and exercising regularly can help.
Exposure to certain things can trigger your eczema.
Common skin irritants include:
To keep your eczema under control, it can be helpful to retrace your steps before a flare. If you can identify irritants that bother your skin, avoiding them in the future can make a big difference.
Medical research has connected eczema and allergic conditions like hay fever and food allergies. When you have an eczema flare-up, pay attention to any other symptoms you’re experiencing. If you have allergy symptoms alongside your skin problem, the same allergen could be triggering both.
Sweat can irritate your skin, contributing to a flare. You don’t need to skip your next workout, but you should pay attention to your skin during it. Keep a towel with you to get rid of excess sweat, and try to time your workouts during the coolest part of the day. Right after you finish exercising, take a shower. And remember to moisturize afterward.
Avoiding triggers can help you prevent an eczema flare, but we can do more to keep your skin calm. To find out which eczema treatments work best for you, call one of our offices in California or Nevada or schedule an appointment by booking online today.
