Roughly 30 million Americans suffer from eczema – a condition that produces a rash often found behind the wrist, elbows, knees, or ears. Many people have linked their eczema to issues such as food allergies or hay fever. But, there are others who experience flare ups when they are in contact with certain triggers. Fortunately, you can make lifestyle changes and take prescribed medication to avoid eczema flare ups.
Do you have eczema? Schedule an appointment with a Langford Allergy doctor to find relief.
The first step toward better skin health is to know what is causing your eczema to flare. When this itchy, frustrating rash appears on your skin, it is a sign that a negative response is happening internally. Your immune system is sending a message and that message is appearing on the outer layer of your body.
There are several lifestyle issues that can be creating this negative response, such as:
- Increased stress
- Exposure to allergens
- Lack of exercise
- Poor diet
- Sleep deprivation
Concerning your exposure to allergens, the Langford Allergy doctors can determine exactly which allergens are causing your eczema to flare by conducting an allergy test. During your allergy test, your doctor will gently place a small amount of an allergen onto your skin. After several minutes, the affected area will respond negatively if there is indeed an allergy present. During an allergy test, we can test for 20-90 possible allergens! Several allergens that may be causing your eczema include:
- Chemicals
- Chlorine
- Dust
- Makeup
- Perfume
- Pet dander
There are several treatment options available to manage your eczema. Many of our patients have found relief after making certain lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and avoiding eczema triggers, and taking prescribed medication. The Langford Allergy doctors will gladly discuss available topical or oral medication that can help you find relief!