Eczema can cause scaly patches of itchy, dry skin, impacting the way you look and making daily life uncomfortable. Fortunately, by understanding the common triggers of eczema, you may be able to avoid these issues. To stay happy and healthy, learn what causes breakouts and which eczema treatments are most effective.

Common Eczema Triggers

1. Soap, Perfumes, and Cleaning Products

Eczema occurs because of a natural breakdown of the barrier that protects your skin. Some people have skin that doesn’t make enough natural oils, while others use products that can strip the skin of this protection and lead to inflammation. If you struggle with eczema, try to avoid soaps, perfumes, or cleaning products with dyes and excess ingredients. Your doctor may recommend bathing or showering less to keep more of your skin’s natural oils and reduce the occurrence of symptoms. 

2. Foods

There are no specific foods that trigger eczema.  Rather, it is a sensitivity you can develop to certain types of foods and those foods can differ among individuals.  The most common foods triggering eczema are those containing preservatives, artificial ingredients, foods high in sugar and trans fats such as margarine, processed foods and fast foods. 

3. Cold Air

Since cold air doesn’t contain a lot of moisture, people who tend to struggle with dry skin see breakouts flareup during the fall and winter seasons. One effective eczema treatment is to use a cool-mist humidifier inside your home during the drier parts of the season or to have an HVAC professional install a whole-home humidifier in your space. 

4. Stress 

When you are stressed out, your body naturally releases a chemical called cortisol, which has been directly linked to eczema. Stress suppresses the immune system and makes specific organs work less efficiently, exacerbating issues like eczema. As a result, your skin can become inflamed, leading to frequent itchiness and flaky skin. 

While it can be challenging to live with eczema, the team at St. Louis Allergy Relief Center can help. In addition to treating people with everyday allergies, this trusted team can also assist with eczema treatment, food sensitivities, and holistic treatments. Their caring team will evaluate your concerns, monitor symptoms, and create a course of treatment that will leave you happy and healthy. To find out more about how they can help, visit their website, or give their office a call at (314) 384-9304 today.