Eczema causes skin to become red, itchy, dry, and inflamed. While the cause of the eczema is not fully understood, one way to maintain clear and healthy skin is to identify and avoid potential triggers. Mild to moderate eczema can react well to topical creams which are over-the-counter (OTC). If you have extreme eczema, extra steps can need to be taken to reduce the sensitivity to these stimuli. If you’re not sure what causes the outbreaks of your eczema, here is a look at most common triggers and how to prevent them.
1. Food
Some foods can make your eczema worse. You may experience a flare-up after eating inflammatory foods and ingredients. Examples are sugar, refined carbs, gluten, red meat and dairy products. Likewise, consuming foods you ‘re allergic to can cause an inflammatory response and exacerbate your eczema symptoms.
If you have an allergy to food, one way to find things that may worsen the symptoms is through using a plan for elimination. Write down a few weeks of what you eat and drink. Then take a note of the days when your eczema tends to intensify in monitoring trends.
For example, if flares appear after consuming milk, don’t consume any dairy products for a couple of days or weeks. Control for enhancement signs. If your eczema does improve, reintroduce milk slowly back into your diet.
If the symptoms return, the milk would possibly cause an eczema for you. Removing these foods from your diet may encourage healthy skin. If you think you might be allergic to a specific item, bring it up to your dermatologist. For more research, they will refer you to an Allergist.
2. Cold air
You may welcome the arrival of winter, but some people may experience chillier temperatures causing an eczema flare. Cold weather and dry air frequently run hand in hand. Too much dry air can zap natural moisture into your skin. Dryness often results in itching which leads to scratching and inflammation afterwards. Apply a skin moisturizer at least twice a day, and use a moisturizer in your home to protect your skin.
3. Hot weather
Hot weather, on the other hand, can irritate ecema too. Heavy suddenness can cause itchy skin. Keep calm to avoid sweating as much as possible. Also, drink plenty of water in humid places to prevent overheating, sit or stand and use a fan.
4. Exposure to water
Another such cause for eczema is excessive exposure to water. Water can cause dry skin, leading to constant itching. After bathing or swimming, add moisturizer to your skin and take lukewarm baths or showers to keep the skin from drying out.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress does not cause eczema however, symptoms can be caused by it. When under stress, the body releases a hormone, called cortisol. Cortisol increases inflammation in the body in large amounts, such as when coping with chronic and continuing stress. This can cause inflammation of the skin and a flare of eczema.
The secrets to dealing with stressful circumstances are deep breathing, meditation, having plenty of rest and daily exercise. Stress reduction capability can keep your eczema under control. If you have trouble managing anxiety or stress yourself, speak to your doctor about medications or treatments.
Managing the eczema doesn’t just mean using creams and medicines. It requires even knowledge of the possible causes. Keep track of your everyday activities to determine what could make your symptoms worse. Then take the appropriate steps to minimize exposure to the foods or items concerned. You can experience changes in your symptoms over time.
