Eczema: Dealing Day-to-Day

5 tips to understand eczema and prevent flare-ups

Among the most effective forms of dealing with eczema involve avoiding substances or conditions that may trigger an outbreak of the condition. Some of these substances or conditions may be linked to the causes of the individual types of eczema. However, this is somewhat speculative. The exact causes of many types of eczema are not known. Regardless, it may help you to understand your condition if you know the potential causes for both the condition itself and its flare-ups. Many causes can be avoided. When this is possible, you can prevent the development of the overall eczema or at least prevent a flare-up. Even if a potential cause or risk factor, such as a family history of eczema, cannot be avoided, knowing that you are at risk for the condition can help you to prepare. If you have a high risk, you may wish to be particularly aware of your surroundings and any possible prevention methods. If prevention is not possible, you can talk to your doctor about potential early signs of the condition and what you can do to treat them before they get any worse.

Further day-to-day tips that may be helpful include:

1. Know the potential causes for atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. While the precise cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, scientists believe a combination of genetics and environmental factors are responsible for the disease. Children are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis if one or both parents have a history of allergic conditions or asthma.

Although some children outgrow skin symptoms, nearly three-fourths of children with atopic dermatitis develop hay fever or asthma, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Environmental factors can also bring on symptoms of atopic dermatitis in those who have inherited the atopic trait (tendency to develop allergic conditions). People living in dry climates may be more likely to develop the condition.

There may also be a relationship between food allergies and atopic dermatitis. People with atopic dermatitis should consult their doctor about this possible link.

Factors that may trigger atopic dermatitis or make it worse include:

Emotional stress
Temperature changes and humidity extremes
Bacterial skin infections
Contact with skin irritants, such as wool clothing, laundry detergents and cosmetics

2. Know the potential causes of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis results from direct skin contact with various irritants (irritant contact dermatitis) or allergens (allergic contact dermatitis). A history of allergies increases the likelihood of allergic contact dermatitis, or ACD. Irritant contact dermatitis, or ICD, is not caused by allergies. However, many of the irritants that cause ICD can be allergens that trigger ACD in sensitive people.

Contact dermatitis may be amongst the easiest forms of eczema to prevent, at least as far as flare-ups are concerned. Irritants and allergens are typically very specific substances that can often be completely avoided if you remain aware of your surroundings.

Some of the irritants that are responsible for causing contact dermatitis are common items many people use regularly. For instance nickel, which is a common irritant, can easily come into contact with the skin through metal jewelry, zippers, buckles and buttons. Cosmetics – particularly hair dyes – may contain a substance known as paraphenylenediamine that causes contact dermatitis in many people. Perfumes often contain preservatives or fragrances that irritate the skin.

Poison ivy, oak and sumac are common irritants often encountered outdoors. When touched, the oil in these plants often causes itchy bumps to form on the skin.

Other common irritants and allergens related to contact dermatitis include:

Adhesives
Fruit, especially the peels
Detergents and soaps
Dyes on fabrics and clothing
Fiberglass
Food additives
Foods, particularly foods high in nickel, such as fish
Hair straighteners
Insecticide spray
Latex found in gloves, rubber clothing and condoms
Medications, particularly topical antibiotics or anesthetics
Contact lens solutions containing mercury
Jewelry containing nickel and other metals
Pesticides
Leather shoes that were treated with potassium dichromate
Preservatives, such as formaldehyde
Ragweed
Rubber
Sunscreens that contain fragrances and preservatives

3. Know the potential causes of seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs as a result of an overproduction of skin cells and sebum, the skin’s natural oil. However, the exact cause of this process is unknown. It appears to be associated with an overgrowth of a normal skin fungus, but experts are unsure whether the fungus causes flaking or skin flaking allows for the overgrowth of the fungus.

In many cases, seborrheic dermatitis appears to be related to family history and is more common in people with oily skin and hair. In some cases it is associated with psoriasis or acne. People who live in northern climates may experience seasonal flare-ups when the weather turns cold and the air becomes drier, with remission occurring in the summer months. African Americans, however, are more likely to flare-up in the summer months.

Other factors known to trigger seborrheic dermatitis include:

Stress
Fatigue
Infrequent hair and skin cleaning
Use of lotions that contain alcohol
Obesity
Hormonal changes

People who stay in hospitals or nursing homes also have higher incidences of seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, those who wear oxygen masks or use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, and those who require surgical masks or any other type of facial mask may see increased incidence as well.

4. Moisturize. Dry skin is strongly associated with eczema. It can make your symptoms worse or, in some cases, trigger the flare-up entirely. Therefore, preventing dry skin can go a long way in both the treatment and prevention of the condition. Oils and creams can help retain moisture. While skin is still damp, seal in moisture with an oil or cream, especially on the legs, arms, back and the sides of the body. Lotions, which often contain water or alcohol, are not usually helpful for eczema because they do not as effectively moisturize the dry skin.

5. Use medications exactly as prescribed. There are a number of different medications available for use for the different types of eczema. Whether available over the counter or by prescription, it is very important that you use the medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Some of the medications used to treat eczema, such as corticosteroids, can have serious potential side effects. Your doctor knows how to reduce the risks of these side effects and to minimize their effects if they do occur. If you notice any side effects, talk to your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may wish to change your prescription.