Everyday Things That Can Exasperate Eczema | Covenant Allergy & Asthma

If you suffer from eczema, you’re very familiar with the daily issues of painful flare-ups. Researchers estimate that 35 million Americans are affected by eczema, but triggers and symptoms can be different for everyone.

Determining what is leading to your flare-ups can help you manage your eczema, keeping you from having to endure undue suffering and discomfort. Here are a few everyday things that can exasperate eczema symptoms, so you can avoid the triggers and live your most comfortable life:

  • Dry Skin: Dehydrated skin can become scaly, tight or flaky—all things that can irritate eczema. Applying a lotion designed for sensitive skin or specifically for eczema sufferers can help prevent this from becoming an issue.

  • Stress: Your entire body is affected by stress, including your skin. While researchers aren’t sure exactly how the link is formed, know that times of heavy stress can also exasperate eczema systems.

  • Allergens: You might think of allergies as separate from your skin, but the same issues that lead to sneezing and itchy eyes can also lead to flare-ups. Mold, pollen and dust can all play a factor, but an allergy test can help you pinpoint the exact triggers.

  • Irritants: While everyone will have different irritants, common ingredients in soaps, skin care products or chemicals can cause a flare-up. Some of the more common culprits include metals, harsh soaps, antibacterial ointments and certain fabrics such as wool.

  • Heat: While some people may find their eczema is worse in the colder months, for most, heat is a sure trigger. Hot showers, warm weather or sitting by the fire in the wintertime can all be irritants to the skin, leading to painful flare-ups.

  • Sweat: Frequent gym-goers who suffer from eczema likely know this all too well. Sweating helps the body cool itself off, but the chemicals contained in sweat can also lead to flare-ups. Toweling off and showering immediately after a sweat session can go a long way in soothing the skin.

If you’d like to know more about managing your eczema, Covenant Allergy and Asthma is happy to help you. Contact us today to get the compassionate care you need.