Three Eczema Triggers To Avoid
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can be triggered by a variety of factors. If you suffer from eczema, you'll need to avoid these triggers to keep your condition under control.
Cold
The arrival of cold winter weather may trigger your eczema, so it's important to keep your skin warm. If your skin is exposed directly to the cold winds, your skin can be damaged, which breaks down the natural barriers and may trigger a flare up of eczema. The transition between cold outdoor weather and the warm heat inside your home or workplace also poses a shock to your skin's barrier.
To fend off an eczema flare up, cover as much of your skin as possible when you head outdoors. Remember to wear mittens, a scarf and a hat, even if you think you won't need them. If your face is affected by eczema, consider wearing a balaclava and ski goggles to completely protect the skin of your face. Once you're safely indoors, then you can remove your winter clothing.
Rough Clothing
Harsh or rough fabrics may irritate your skin and trigger a flare up of your eczema. Problematic fabrics include natural materials like wool, hemp, or linen as well as synthetic fabrics like polyester. You should also try to avoid denim that is very rough.
Try to choose fabrics that are both smooth and breathable to avoid irritating your skin. The best fabric for people with eczema is 100% cotton. Try to find cotton clothing that has minimal or no seams, as the seams can also irritate your skin. Tags can also pose an irritant, so carefully remove them from your clothes.
Stress
Stress is another potential trigger for eczema symptoms. This is because, when you get stressed out, your immune system attempts to protect your skin. This immune response causes inflammation, and the inflammation irritates your skin enough to cause an eczema flare up.
It's hard to completely avoid stress, but you can help to keep your stress under control by using relaxing techniques like deep breathing or yoga. Fun exercises like going for a walk or playing team sports can also help you relax. If your eczema is a source of your stress, consider joining a support group for people with eczema.
Avoiding eczema triggers can help you keep your condition under control. If avoiding triggers is not providing the relief you need, talk to your family doctor about additional treatment options.