Skin redness, itching, dryness, and inflammation are all symptoms of eczema, a skin disorder. Even though eczema’s origins remain a mystery, it can be controlled by avoiding the things that set off outbreaks. OTC topical creams may be effective in treating mild to moderate eczema. You may need extra precautions to avoid potential triggers for your untreated eczema if you suffer from a severe case. In some cases, a dermatologist’s prescription medication is necessary.
Find out what causes your eczema to flare up and how you can help your body heal to stop suffering.
To explain, what exactly is a flare-up of eczema?
A malfunctioning immune system and inflammation are at the root of eczema, and a flare-up is the outward manifestation of this inflammatory response. Even though the causes of an eczema flare-up are often unique to the individual, the symptoms are often consistent. The following are among them:
- A red, itchy rash of dry, discolored skin that oozes, “weeps,” or even bleeds when touched
- Itchiness-related Sleep Disturbances
When does eczema act up?
Although you and another eczema sufferer may have different underlying factors for your skin’s irritation, there are a few things that almost everyone with eczema should be aware of:
Dry skin
A tight, rough, or scaly sensation can develop on dry skin, and eczema flare-ups are more likely to occur when the skin is too dry. Scratching dry skin can irritate the skin even more.
One strategy to prevent dry skin is to keep your skin well moisturized, especially in the winter or in arid locations.
Anxiety and stress.
Although worry and emotional stress are not direct causes of eczema, they can exacerbate its symptoms.
When we’re under pressure, our bodies secrete a hormone called cortisol. Overproduction of cortisol in response to prolonged or extreme stress has been linked to immune system dysregulation and the development of a skin-deep inflammatory reaction.
Dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by developing tiny, highly irritating blisters on the hands and feet. Among the many things that can set off episodes of dyshidrotic eczema is emotional strain.
Talk to your doctor about self-management strategies, therapy, or prescription options if you have trouble keeping stress and anxiety at bay.
Everyday household items like soaps, detergents, and perfumes may include irritants that cause skin redness and swelling.
Other frequent irritants that can bring on an outbreak of eczema include:
- metals, some odors, and cigarette smokeÂ
- products that kill germs in contact
- paraphenylenediamine
- formaldehyde (found in home disinfectants, certain vaccinations, glues, and adhesives)Â
- isothiazolinone (an antimicrobial that can be found in personal care goods like baby wipes) (an antibacterial that can be found in personal care products like baby wipes)
- coconut-derived methyl ester of betaine (often used to thicken shampoos and lotions)
Causes of Eczema
Some eczema factors are apparent, such as scented laundry detergents and stress, but others may come as a complete surprise.
Weather
Eczema can be triggered or exacerbated by any climate change, including cold, hot, dry, and “in-between” temperatures during season transitions.
Changes in the weather, such as humidity and extreme cold, can irritate the skin of anyone, eczema sufferer or not, for reasons that scientists have yet to explain fully.
Learning how your skin reacts to different types of weather can help control flare-ups. Keeping yourself well-hydrated in the winter is especially important because of the dry air. Wearing loose, cotton clothing and drinking enough water will help keep your body temperature steady and reduce sweating in hot, humid conditions.
Diet
Food allergies like milk, eggs, peanuts, and wheat trigger some eczema.
Eczema flare-ups can occur after eating foods or using products that trigger inflammation. Some common ones are refined carbs (like those found in pastries) and gluten (think: white bread).
Consult your doctor and a registered dietitian if you’ve noticed a correlation between your eczema flares and specific meals.
Items with fragrances
Eczema can be made worse by using scented body products, just as it is by using scented laundry detergents. Some people with eczema also have contact dermatitis, in which the rash only appears after being in contact with a specific substance.
The use of scented soaps, lotions, perfumes, and shower gels can aggravate sensitive skin and trigger an eruption in some people.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products are your best bet if you have sensitive skin. After beginning a new product, your symptoms should be closely monitored. Stop using if your condition worsens. Check scrotum eczema
Fabric
Sometimes, eczema flare-ups are brought on by the detergent or scented product you’re using and the clothes you’re wearing. Polyester and wool, for example, can cause the skin to become itchy and red in many people.
If you notice that specific articles of clothing are making your condition worse, try switching to something else or adding an extra layer underneath.
While exercise is recommended for everyone, those living with eczema should be aware that heavy perspiration may aggravate their condition.
A buildup of your body’s naturally occurring substances, such as nickel, zinc, copper, iron, and sodium, may irritate your eczema if it comes in contact with it.
If you have eczema and find that exercising causes flare-ups, try exercising at a reduced intensity or during a more excellent time.
Make sure you have access to a fan, take several showers after your workout, and constantly wipe your sweat as it accumulates.
Hormone fluctuations
Shifts in hormone levels can trigger eczema. This is thought to be caused by a lack of estrogen, which occurs before menstruation, during menopause, and pregnancy.
Changes in hormone levels are natural, but if you experience worsening eczema during specific times of the month, you should talk to your doctor about possible topical treatments.
Protecting infants and children’s skin against the irritants of saliva eczema is crucial. A drooling infant is more likely to develop eczema patches on their face, especially around the mouth.
While babies’ saliva and drool don’t directly cause eczema, they can irritate and dry out the skin, leading to red, itchy patches. Use mild lotions or creams on your sensitive skin to prevent this from happening.
The Best Way to Avoid Future Flare-Ups
Although there is presently no treatment that will eliminate eczema, there are measures that can be taken to minimize the condition and its flare-ups.
The first step in managing your eczema is identifying what sets it off. Keeping track of what you consume, the weather, the items you use, and the activities you engage in might help you identify triggers.
Taking a shower or bath after exercise or other high-energy activities might also assist, as it can moisturize your skin as much as possible.
A doctor may have recommended topical and immunosuppressant drugs to help relieve itching if your eczema is severe. If you take these medications as directed, you can avoid an eczema flare.
In conclusion, although there’s no known treatment for eczema, there are different ways to treat and manage its symptoms.