Eczema is one of the most frustrating skin conditions to have. One minute, your skin is fine, and the next, itchy, red, and inflamed patches appear out of nowhere. While eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a chronic condition, many flare-ups are linked to specific triggers.
The tricky part? Eczema triggers aren’t the same for everyone. What causes your flares may not bother someone else at all. But the more you understand what’s irritating your skin, the better you can prevent future flare-ups and take control of your skin health.
That’s where our dermatology specialists at Allure Dermatology come in. We’re highlighting five of the most common eczema triggers and what you can do to minimize their impact.
This one’s a biggie. When your skin loses moisture, it becomes dry, tight, and more prone to irritation. That’s why eczema often gets worse in the winter when the air is cold and dry, or in any climate with low humidity.
You can combat dry skin by:
Keeping your skin barrier strong is key to avoiding those itchy, inflamed patches.
Soaps, lotions, detergents, and even “natural” products often contain fragrances or ingredients that irritate sensitive skin. For people with eczema, even a small amount of fragrance or alcohol in a product can cause a flare.
We recommend using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products. You may also need to avoid bubble baths, scented dryer sheets, and anything labeled “antibacterial.”
Not sure about a new product you picked up? Test it on a small area of skin before using it regularly. When in doubt, simpler is better.
Believe it or not, your emotional state can show up on your skin. Stress is a common trigger for eczema that can exacerbate inflammation and intensify itching. Unfortunately, the itch-stress cycle becomes a loop: stress triggers eczema, eczema causes stress, and the cycle repeats.
Stress-reducing habits, such as deep breathing, walking, journaling, or yoga, can go a long way in benefiting both your mind and your skin.
We also encourage you to prioritize sleep — your skin repairs itself while you rest, and your mind gets a reset, too.
If stress feels overwhelming or constant, talk to your primary care provider or a mental health specialist.
Remember: Even small shifts in your daily routine can reduce stress and improve your skin.
Dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen aren’t just triggers for your sinuses — they can also worsen eczema symptoms, especially if you have allergies or asthma alongside your eczema (a combo known as the atopic triad).
What helps?
If your eczema always seems worse during allergy season, this could be the culprit, and it might not be a bad idea to consider allergy testing.
While exercise is beneficial for your overall health, sweating and exposure to heat can exacerbate eczema. Moisture from sweating can irritate the skin, especially in areas where clothing rubs or air circulation is limited (such as elbows, knees, or underarms).
You don’t have to avoid exercise — just take a few extra steps to protect your skin.
When you work out, make sure to wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton. Also, remember to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade if you’re outside on hot days.
The best thing you can do? Shower and moisturize as soon as possible after workouts
Eczema might not be curable, but it’s absolutely manageable, especially once you learn what triggers your flare-ups and how to avoid them.
If you’re still struggling despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to reach out to Allure Dermatology. We’re here to help you create a personalized treatment plan that suits your skin and lifestyle.
Call or click to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatology specialists at our Hicksville, New York, office. We’ll walk you through your options, address your concerns, and help you feel confident every step of the way.
