Eczema flare-ups cause dry, red, and itchy skin to develop. It’s often triggered by a variety of factors, including irritants (like soaps and fabrics), allergens (such as dust, pet dander, or certain foods), weather changes, stress, heat, infections, and hormonal changes. These flare-ups can be especially frustrating for both adults and children living with eczema. By identifying specific triggers, using gentle skin care products, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding getting overheated or wearing tight clothing, individuals can better manage their symptoms. If flare-ups persist, consulting an allergist for a personalized eczema treatment plan is highly recommended.
If you or your child suffers from eczema, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable flare-ups can be.
Eczema flare-ups can appear suddenly, causing dry, red, itchy, or inflamed skin that can range in discomfort and severity. Understanding the causes of eczema flare-ups is key to managing the condition properly and reducing its impact.
Let’s explore common eczema triggers and how you can identify and avoid them to keep your skin or your child’s skin healthier, more comfortable, and flare-up-free.
What Are Eczema Flare-Ups?
Eczema flare-ups occur when the skin becomes irritated, leading to patches of itchy, inflamed skin and worsening eczema symptoms. Depending on the severity of the patient’s eczema and the triggers that cause it, these flare-ups can last for days or even weeks.
While eczema itself is a chronic condition, identifying what triggers flare-ups can help reduce their frequency and intensity.
Common Causes of Eczema Flare-ups
1. Irritants
Everyday products and materials can trigger eczema flare-ups. These include:
- Soaps and detergents
- Shampoos, bubble baths, and bath bombs
- Household cleaners
- Wool or synthetic fabrics
- Fragrances or dyes in skincare products
- Certain metals, such as nickel
Switching to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products and wearing soft, breathable clothing made from natural fibers can help minimize irritation. Avoiding jewelry or clothing with nickel snaps, buttons, or rivets is also necessary for those whose skin becomes inflamed after contact with nickel products.
2. Allergens
People with eczema can also suffer from allergies. Exposure to bothersome allergens may trigger eczema flare-ups.
Common allergens include:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Mold
- Certain foods, such as eggs, dairy, nuts, wheat, or soy
If allergens are a suspected cause of eczema flare-ups, allergy testing can help identify specific triggers.
3. Weather and Climate Changes
Extreme weather conditions can dry out the skin, making eczema flare-ups more frequent. Cold, dry air in winter and hot, humid conditions in summer commonly lead to flare-ups. Rapid changes in temperature or humidity can also provoke eczema symptoms.
Some tips for protecting your skin from the effects of weather and climate changes include:
- Using a humidifier in winter
- Staying cool, hydrated, and moisturized in summer
4. Stress
Emotional stress is a well-known trigger for eczema flare-ups. Children and adults alike may notice worsening symptoms during stressful periods.
To help manage stress and reduce the frequency of flare-ups, consider:
- Practicing meditation or other mindfulness exercises
- Maintaining a regular exercise routine
- Getting adequate sleep
5. Sweating and Heat
Overheating, sweating, or wearing tight clothing can irritate sensitive skin and cause eczema to flare up. This is especially common in children who are active throughout the day.
If you live in a hot and humid place like Georgia, it can be hard to avoid sweating during the day. However, there are a few ways to reduce the possibility of a flare-up:
- Dress in light, breathable fabrics.
- Take breaks from being outside or exposed to the sun.
- Frequently moisturize the parts of your skin that often flare up.
- Seek out cool, air-conditioned rooms.
6. Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can worsen eczema symptoms and even lead to complications. Scratching irritated skin can also break the skin barrier, making it easier for infections to take hold.
Some ways to lower the risk of infection or reduce flare-ups with an infection include:
- Keeping nails trimmed
- Avoiding scratching irritated areas
- Following proper skincare guidance
7. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts, especially in women, can trigger eczema flare-ups. Fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause have been known to affect a patient’s skin health and lead to eczema.
It’s hard to work around hormonal changes, but monitoring and treating symptoms during periods of hormonal fluctuation can help manage flare-ups more effectively.
How to Manage Eczema Flare-ups
Regardless of your eczema triggers, there are a few ways you can reduce the frequency and severity of your flare-ups:
- Moisturize Regularly: Apply fragrance-free moisturizers to damp skin after bathing.
- Use Gentle Skincare Products: Avoid harsh soaps, fragrances, and dyes.
- Track Triggers: Keep a journal to identify patterns in flare-ups.
- Consult an Allergist: An allergist who specializes in eczema can help you develop a customized eczema treatment plan.
Eczema flare-ups can be unpredictable, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can reduce the frequency and severity of a flare-up. By identifying and avoiding common triggers like irritants, allergens, weather changes, and stress, you can better manage eczema for yourself or your child.
If eczema flare-ups persist or worsen, consult a trusted allergist at Langford Allergy for targeted treatment and long-term care strategies.
Don’t Let an Eczema Flare-up Ruin Your Day. Get Effective Treatment From Your Team at Langford Allergy.
Dr. Langford, Dr. Mathew, and our team of eczema specialists offer specialized care and treatment to all eczema patients, from children to those well into adulthood. We work to discover your triggers and develop the individualized plan you need to reduce flare-ups and treat eczema efficiently should a flare-up occur.
Schedule an eczema appointment today: 478-787-4728
Langford Allergy delivers allergy, asthma, and immunodeficiency care to patients throughout Middle Georgia, including:
- Bonaire, GA
- Byron, GA
- Forsyth, GA
- Fort Valley, GA
- Gray, GA
- Macon, GA
- Milledgeville, GA
- Perry, GA
- Warner Robins, GA
And other surrounding areas.
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