Skin conditions of any kind can be both uncomfortable and a source of anxiety. Eczema symptoms, for example, are characterized by dry, red, flaky patches of skin that itch or burn. When these flare-ups occur frequently, patients may be prone to other conditions and infections; for this reason, it’s important to try to keep eczema under control. To do this, however, you have to know your triggers.
Eczema triggers are often unique to the individual, but there are a few common causes of eczema flare-ups to watch out for.
Common Eczema Flare-Up Triggers
Any of these ever given you an eczema rash? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let’s explore why each of these are common triggers, and how to soothe eczema flare-ups with a few neat tricks.
#1: Dry Skin
There’s a good reason that many eczema sufferers have more flare-ups during the winter一 with dry air comes dry skin. And unfortunately, dry skin is more prone to cracking and damage, a critical part of what triggers eczema, & makes it so difficult to treat.
To avoid this trigger, make sure your skin stays adequately hydrated and cover up your skin if you leave the house during the winter. Humid air is also your friend, so if the cold air is really getting to you even inside your home, you can put a pot of water on the stove and let it boil (or simply buy a humidifier for your home).
#2: Soaps and Detergents
Since our skin comes into contact with so many products and chemicals every day, it can be difficult to pinpoint the triggers that cause your eczema. While most eczema sufferers think to switch up the soaps and detergents they use, some don’t. In fact, many patients see a remission of symptoms simply by changing the detergent their clothes are washed in!
Try switching to a gentle detergent or sensitive skin body wash一 it can’t hurt to try! There are certain ingredients in particular that may be causing your eczema symptoms, so make sure to watch out for those in any soaps, detergents, cleaning supplies, etc. that you may use.
#3: Certain Fabrics
Some fabrics have a tendency to pull moisture away from the skin. In some circumstances, this is beneficial, like for activewear or undergarments. However, when eczema-prone skin is artificially dried out, flare-ups tend to occur more frequently.
If your skin is sensitive, try eliminating polyester and wool clothing from your wardrobe, and instead replace these items with cotton, linen, and bamboo.
#4: Household Cleaning Supplies
We’re not suggesting that you don’t clean your house (wouldn’t that be nice?), but take a look at the ingredients in your cleaning supplies. Many cleaning products contain chemicals一 which are effective at sanitizing and stripping oils一 that can harm your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive to begin with.
Try swapping out your cleaning supplies for something “free and clear.” If you’re unimpressed with the way the product cleans, consider wearing gloves while you use these supplies to avoid contact with your skin.
#5: Immunity & Mental Health
It is suspected that eczema is related to the body’s immune system. Interestingly, some patients also experience flare-ups when they are overly stressed. While it might be impossible to stay cool as a cucumber all of the time, there are some things you can do to reduce stress and boost your immune system on a regular basis.
Try increasing your intake of vitamin C and D, meditating for 10 minutes every day, taking up yoga or tai chi, or even start journaling to help you vent your feeling in a healthy way.
How To Soothe Eczema Flare-Ups
While avoiding these common causes can certainly be helpful, pinpointing exactly what triggers eczema in you from day to day is also quite the challenge. Having something on hand to help soothe your rashes and eliminate the itching associated with eczema patches will make all the difference.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find an eczema cream that both soothes and doesn’t irritate the skin further. Some people use aloe, while others go through tons of creams before finding one that works. Here at Rejuvaskin, we’ve created a product that uses simple botanicals and gentle ingredients; our Skin Recovery Cream won’t irritate your eczema further while providing incredibly soothing relief to your current flare-up spots.