5 Common Eczema Triggers

Eczema – or atopic dermatitis – is a condition that causes patches of skin to become inflamed, itchy, cracked, rough, and sometimes blistered. This skin condition is common and affects more than 10% of the United States population. 

While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, there are many different things that can cause this condition to flare up. Chad W. Mayer, DO, FAAAAI, FAAP and Ronda Barak-Norris, MD, FACAAI, and the rest of our team at Allergy and Asthma Institute of SE Michigan want to explain a little bit more about eczema and what could be triggering your breakouts so you can better manage your symptoms.

Possible causes and symptoms of eczema

Researchers are unsure what the definitive cause of eczema is, but they believe that some possible causes for eczema are genetic factors. If you have a family history of eczema, you’re more likely to develop it yourself. This could be because your skin doesn’t provide as much protection or because it produces too much of certain bacteria.

If you have other conditions like allergies, hay fever, or asthma, it can also increase your risk of eczema.

Symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry and itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Swollen skin
• Thick, leathery patches of skin

Eczema can appear almost anywhere on your body, but it most commonly shows up on your hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, and around your cheeks. 

Eczema triggers

Many different factors can cause eczema flare-ups, these are the five most common:

• Irritants: Irritants can be anything such as soaps, detergents, disinfectants, makeup, or fabrics that cause your eczema symptoms

• Temperature: Extreme hot or cold temperatures can trigger eczema flare-ups

• Stress: While stress doesn’t cause eczema, it can greatly increase your symptoms

• Foods: Flare-ups can be caused by dairy, eggs, wheat, nuts, or soy

• Allergens: Common allergens like pollen, pets, and dust mites can all trigger eczema symptoms

It’s important to take note of what could possibly be causing your breakouts so you can avoid them and decrease your symptoms.

Treatment options for eczema

At Allergy and Asthma Institute of SE Michigan, we offer a few different options when it comes to eczema treatments. 

First, take good care of your skin. This can include taking short, warm showers, applying moisturizers frequently, and using irritant-free skin care products.

Other treatment options include avoiding your triggers and taking allergy treatments like immunotherapy, which includes options, such as allergy shots and oral immunotherapy.

We can also prescribe oral or topical medications to give you relief from the itching and inflammation. 

If you suffer from eczema, and you’re not sure what triggers it, come see our team so we can help you narrow down what might be causing your flare-ups. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office located in Farmington Hills, Michigan, at 248-363-3232, or use our online booking tool today.