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Make this my homepageWhy does eczema occur?
Skin acts as a protective barrier for our bodies, keeping moisture in and infection and irritants out. Skin with eczema is less able to retain water. This allows gaps to open up between the skin cells and allergens and irritants to pass through more easily.
Because skin with eczema is prone to drying out and is easily damaged, it is more liable to get red, inflamed and itchy.
Triggers
No matter how well you look after your skin, there are some things that can cause a flare-up. By understanding your particular triggers, you can minimise their effect. Here are the most common:
Common Triggers
Soaps and perfumed bath or shower products
- Use emollient washes and bath oils designed for people with eczema.
Detergents and washing powders
- Use non-bio washing powder.
- Wear protective gloves when cleaning or washing up, preferably PVC and cotton-lined.
Central heating
- Keep rooms cool, particularly your bedroom.
Animal hair and dander
- Avoid contact with animals if possible.
- Wash your hands after contact with pets.
Woollen clothes, man-made fibres
- Avoid wearing woollen or man-made fibres
- Instead, wear smooth, soft cotton clothes and use cotton bed sheets.
Cold/hot weather
- Wear gloves in cold winter weather.
House dust mites
- Use a mattress protector and wash it regularly.
- Vacuum carpets regularly and wash curtains.
Illness is also a trigger, so keeping as healthy as possible helps.
Other triggers can be emotionally linked e.g. stress and anxiety. This means that flare-ups occur exactly when they are least welcome, such as during job interviews, weddings and other important dates. So try and relax - deep breathing techniques may help.
