Eczema is more than a temporary itch. It’s an umbrella term for several inflammatory skin conditions. The most common type is atopic dermatitis — that’s what many of my patients are referring when to they ask about eczema, so that’s the language I’ll use here, too.
Anyone can develop eczema. The condition often appears before age 5 — it’s not unusual for babies to have it. In many cases, eczema symptoms stop by the time a child reaches puberty. But it can recur later. And adults can develop eczema, too.
The most common symptoms include:
- Itching
- Red, dry patches of skin
- Rashes that can ooze clear fluid or bleed when scratched
- Thickening and hardening of the skin
There’s no one cause of eczema. The immune system, genes, and environment all play a part. There’s also no cure for the condition. (It’s important to know that it’s not contagious.) However, there are ways to manage symptoms and help avoid discomfort.
Eczema is different for every person. That’s why treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs. That might include medications and other treatments. But if you or your child has eczema, managing triggers is an important part of controlling the condition.
6 eczema triggers to know — and avoid
Eczema makes skin sensitive. It can react to clothing, household items, and even the weather. But each person’s eczema is unique, so it’s important to pay attention to what triggers symptoms for you (or your child). Once you identify your triggers, you can manage them. That can help stop eczema from getting worse and decrease flare-ups.
Here are six common types of triggers that I encourage my patients and their families to consider.
1. Clothing
Eczema makes skin sensitive. Certain clothing materials, such as wool or nylon, can trigger or worsen symptoms. So can wearing tight-fitting clothes or clothes with seams or tags that itch or irritate the skin. Some people react to specific dyes or detergents. I recommend washing new clothes before wearing them to reduce possible irritants.
Nickel is a common cause of contact dermatitis such as eczema. Check your jewelry and clothing for nickel — it can be in belt buckles, zippers, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even bra hooks. Trade out these items for other materials. Household objects like razors, pots and pans with silicone handles, and eyeglass frames made of titanium or plastic can also contain nickel.
Instead of:
- Polyester, nylon, or wool clothing
- Irritating seams or tags
- Metals — particularly nickel — that touch the skin
Try:
- Loose-fitting, 100% cotton clothes
- Removing all tags from clothes
- Covering problem seams (Sewing a layer of silk over seams or other trouble spots can help reduce irritation, but silk can trigger eczema in some children)
- Replacing snaps, hooks, and zippers made of nickel with ones that are plastic-coated
- Coating nickel-covered items with nail polish (don’t forget to reapply as it wears off)
Additional tips: Be hyper-aware of how you wash and dry your clothes. Opt for fragrance-free, dye-free laundry detergent. I stress to my patients that products labeled “unscented” can still have chemical fragrance — you just can’t smell it.
2. Chemicals
We are surrounded by chemicals that have the potential to irritate sensitive skin. For families dealing with eczema, it’s especially important to limit exposure when possible.
Instead of:
- Air fresheners
- Scented candles
- Scented cleaning products
Try:
- Fragrance-free cleaning products
- Skipping candles and air fresheners
- Limiting your exposure to cleaning products by wearing cotton-lined gloves (under nitrile gloves) while tidying up
- Avoiding areas where people smoke
3. Personal care products
Anything you put on your skin, nails, scalp, or hair can impact eczema. Specifically, perfumes or scented body lotions, shower gels, shampoos or creams can trigger an eczema flare. In addition, artificial nails or nail polish can frequently trigger eczema on the eyelids.
Moisturizers can help repair the skin barrier and reduce flare-ups. Look for a mild, fragrance-free cream or ointment. It’s best to put it on after a bath or shower, while skin is still a bit damp. Repeat whenever skin feels dry.
Products that are marketed as gentle or for sensitive skin can be a good place to start. I also recommend looking for the NEA Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Look at ingredient lists and opt for items that contain petroleum jelly or mineral oil, but that don’t include preservatives or stabilizers. You can take an extra step and look for lotions that have lipids and ceramides, which can help improve the skin’s barrier.
Instead of:
- Scented cleansers, shampoos or conditioners
- Bubble bath
- Baby wipes
- Washcloths or loofahs
Try:
- Skin care products that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes
- Clear, pH-neutral, fragrance-free shampoo
- Warm water instead of baby wipes
- Mineral sunscreen (fragrance-free and at least 30 SPF)
4. Drool
Every parent of a young child with eczema knows this battle. Teething and facial eczema can be an itchy and painful combination. Talk to your dermatologist about applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to body parts that saliva touches. This can help protect skin from an eczema flare-up.
Instead of:
- Rubbing saliva off your child’s face
Try:
- Patting drool dry with a soft cloth, as rubbing can cause irritation
5. Exercise and sweat
Overheating and sweat are common eczema triggers. But there are ways to enjoy physical activity — or survive summer weather — without contributing to an eczema flare-up. Try to keep your body cool, remove sweat right away, and moisturize dry skin.
Take extra care with laundry detergents in summer. Sweat can leach small amounts of detergent onto the skin, so it’s an important time to avoid fragrances and dyes.
Instead of:
- Tight workout clothes made with synthetic fibers
- Long, hot showers, which can dry out skin
Try:
- Loose clothing made of 100% cotton
- Layering clothes and wearing adaptable items, such as pants with zippers to create shorts
- Take one short (5- to 10-minute) shower per day, with lukewarm water
Additional tips: Remember to drink plenty of fluids to help prevent overheating. Avoid exercising in the heat of the day. And keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
6. Dry air
Winter weather and dry climates can pose unique challenges to families managing eczema. Heating a home in the winter can cause low humidity inside the home, which can dry out skin.
Small changes can help combat dry air. Drinking more water can help. And I often recommend that my patients try a humidifier, especially in the winter months. However, you do need to clean the humidifier at least once a week, as mold can make eczema worse.
How to get help for eczema
Skin conditions like eczema can be unpredictable. But you can depend on expert care from Temple Dermatology. We’re your partners in healthy skin.
Schedule an appointment with Temple Dermatology. Appointments are currently available in multiple locations, including our new Chestnut Hill Multispecialty Clinic. To see an expert near you, call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment online.
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