Top 5 Things That Make Eczema Worse

January 9, 2021 by VitalSkin Dermatology

Living with eczema comes with a number of frustrations, and when the condition flares up, it can turn a day from good to bad pretty quickly. If you have just been diagnosed with eczema, you may not be aware of the fact that there are triggers out there that can make your condition worse. Anything from the products you use to the food you consume can exacerbate eczema, and learning what to avoid can help make living with eczema much easier.

1. Certain Chemicals

There are some chemicals in our day-to-day environment that can make eczema worse. Where you find these chemicals might surprise you. Aggravators of eczema can be found in perfumes and air fresheners, first off, as well as some cleaners. Many of the chemicals used in commercial cigarettes can also exacerbate the condition, so quitting smoking today can benefit you in many ways.

2. Some Clothes

The materials used in some items in your closet can also make your eczema worse. The biggest culprits? Materials such as mohair or wool that can aggravate even the most durable skin. Synthetics such as rayon and polyester can also cause problems for those with this skin condition. Your best bet? Soft, organic cottons that are not blends.

3. Stress

Stress makes many skin conditions worse and it can do a number on eczema as well. To limit the stress in your life, try incorporating some anti-stress routines into your daily ritual. Do you enjoy walking? Take a 15-minute walk to rejuvenate yourself and recenter. Do you prefer yoga or meditating? Maybe your de-stress go-to is a bath. Whatever it is, do what you need to do to alleviate your stress and, as a result, your eczema. Side note: If exercise is how you eliminate stress, proceed with caution. Unfortunately, sweating can also exacerbate the condition. Dab your sweat as you exercise gently with a soft towel and avoid scrubbing or aggravating the skin if you do work out enough to break out into a healthy sweat and make sure to wash off with lukewarm, not hot, water when you’re done.

4. Allergens

Allergens are yet another stressor that can make your eczema that much worse. Common household allergens such as dust and pet dander are often part of the problem. Keeping a tidy house is your best bet. Wash your sheets at least once a week and make sure to dust and vacuum often. Limiting the amount of dust, dander and other allergens in your environment can help relieve your eczema symptoms. You also want to make sure you eliminate any allergens in the foods you eat. If you are unsure if you have any food sensitivities, consider getting tested to ensure that you don’t consume any foods that make your eczema worse.

5. Weather

Finally, if you live in a dry climate, the lack of humidity in the air can make your eczema feel a lot worse. Consider investing in a humidifier if you live in a drier climate, but make sure to keep it clean and change the filter often. A humidifier that starts building up mold will only make your eczema worse in the long run.

Eczema can be a frustrating condition, but there are ways to manage it and its symptoms. By eliminating these triggers from your daily life, you can help limit flare-ups and the aggravation that comes with them. If you would like to learn more about treating and living with eczema, reach out to a dermatologist today to explore what treatments can work best for you.