Keep in mind, though, that eczema is resulting from a complex combination of factors.
You are likely to occasionally have symptoms even if you address all your potential triggers.
This might result in worsening symptoms, either very quickly or within a few days.
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Some of theseeczema triggersmay apply to you, but others may not.
The disease shows up a little differently in everyone.
Some people might not notice any specific triggers that make their disease worse.
There are many different potential categories of eczema triggers, some of which are described below.
What are disease flares?
In other cases, you might notice a skin rash directly where the aggravating substance touched.
This might occur from a specific key in of immune reaction in the body.
You might hear these called contact allergens and the resulting rash called allergic dermatitis or contact dermatitis.
Both contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis are forms of eczema.
Climate
Some people notice their eczema flares up during temperature extremes.
For example, in the winter, there is less moisture in the air.
This can increase skin dryness, which may increase eczema symptoms.
On the other hand, some people also notice that very hot temperature trigger their symptoms.
Sweating itself may also worsen symptoms.
Some might even notice negative effects when they take long, hot showers or baths.
Can eczema flare in the summer?
Yes, eczema can flare up in the summeror during the winter.
If your eczema gets worse during the summer, try keeping your skin clean, cool, and dry.
If you experience eczema flare-ups during the winter, an air humidifier may help.
Specific Foods
Some people havereactions to specific foodsthat seem to worsen their eczema symptoms.
Sometimes this is related to a true allergy to the food.
Its also important to remember that different people may have different food sensitivities.
You may have zero, one, or multiple food triggers.
Food triggers for eczema may be more common in young children than in older children or adults.
Infection
Sometimes people with eczema can have their symptoms worsened by an infection.
Conversely, a person with eczema might be more likely to get certain skin infections because of their disease.
One study found that nearly half of all women with eczema notice worsened symptoms premenstrually.
Sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone might be causing this, through their effects on the immune system.
Some women also notice worsened symptoms during pregnancy.
Stress
Psychological stress may worsen eczema symptoms in some situations.
You might be more likely to notice a flare during particularly stressful periods of your life.
Factors such as poor or reduced sleep may also play a role.
Although people with depression are at higher risk for also having eczema, the reasons for this are unclear.
Is PTSD an eczema trigger?
Skin symptoms are often found in people with post-traumatic stress disorder.
People with eczema are prone to dry skin, even when they arent having any major symptoms.
Research into eczema triggers is somewhat limited.
Some people cant identify any particular triggers, even after they investigate.
Understand that your response to a trigger or removing a trigger might not occur right away.
That can sometimes make it challenging to identify potential triggers.
These tests are also difficult to interpret.
They aren’t difficult, but do take a bit of careful attention and planning.
Some people with eczema are sensitive to substances found in these products.
Start by staying away from scented products.
You might want to experiment with products labeled hypoallergenic, which may be less likely to trigger symptoms.
Generally, fewer ingredients is a good sign.
Some people also experiment with homemade products, or simple baking soda and vinegar rinses.
In general, after you grab identified a triggering substance, youll know to avoid it in the future.
Clothing
Since some people with eczema experience triggers from certain fabrics, consider looking at your wardrobe.
Some people with eczema find they do better with fabrics like silks and smooth cotton.
But you may need to experiment to find what works for you.
Be aware of the potential for disease flaring from both overly dry and overly humid air.
You may be able to reintroduce it at a later time without any problems.
Also, be careful not to limit your diet in an extreme way.
For example:
What is the three-minute rule for eczema?
Apply moisturizer no more than three minutes after bathing.
Pat your skin dry before applying.
Identifying and avoiding these triggers is an important way to keep your symptoms under control.
You may also want to consider seeing an allergist for allergy testing.
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Gupta MA, Jarosz P, Gupta AK.Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the dermatology patient.Clin Dermatol.
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Dhar S, Srinivas SM.Food allergy in atopic dermatitis.Indian J Dermatol.
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