It has been estimated that 15 million people in the UK could be living with Eczema. Research informs us that where there is a breakdown of the skin barrier this can lead to exposure of allergens via the skin which may result in sensitisation (production of IgE antibodies) and the development of an allergy.
Eczema causes redness, itchiness, dryness, and inflammation of the skin, it is recommended that even when eczema skin appears to be in good condition that emollient use is continued to replace the moisture in already dry skin and reduce the risk of flare ups where the skin becomes inflamed and itchy. While the cause isn’t fully understood, identifying and avoiding potential triggers is one way to maintain clear and healthy skin.
Mild to moderate eczema may respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams. If you have severe eczema, you may need to take additional measures to limit exposure to certain triggers.
If you aren’t sure what sparks your outbreaks, here’s a look at 13 common triggers and how to avoid them.
Certain foods can worsen your eczema. You might experience a flare-up after you consume foods and ingredients that are inflammatory. Examples of these foods include sugar, refined carbohydrates, gluten, red meats, and dairy.
Similarly, eating foods that you’re allergic to can trigger an inflammatory response and make your eczema symptoms worse.
If you do have a food allergy, one way to pinpoint foods that may exacerbate your symptoms is through an elimination diet. Write down everything you eat and drink for a few weeks. Then, make a note of the days your eczema appears to worsen to track patterns.
If flares seem to occur after eating dairy, for example, don’t consume any dairy products for a few days or weeks. Monitor your symptoms for improvement. If your eczema improves, slowly reintroduce dairy back into your diet.
If symptoms return, dairy is likely an eczema trigger for you. Removing these foods from your diet could promote healthier skin. If you think you might be allergic to a certain food, bring this up to your doctor. They can refer you to an allergist for further testing.
2. Cold air
You may welcome the arrival of winter, but chillier temperatures can cause a flare up in some people.
Dry air combined with indoor heating systems can dry out your skin. Too much dry air can zap your skin of natural moisture. Dryness often leads to itching, which then leads to scratching and inflammation.
To protect your skin, apply thick moisturisers and apply them immediately after bathing or showering. Petroleum jelly is a good option. Lotions may not be as effective at treating winter skin. A humidifier in your home may also help.
3. Hot weather
On the other hand, hot weather can also irritate eczema. Heavy perspiration can lead to itchy skin.
Stay as cool as possible to limit sweating. Also, drink plenty of fluids to avoid overheating, sit or stand in shady areas, and use a fan.
4. Exposure to water
Prolonged exposure to water is another trigger. Water can cause dry skin, which can lead to persistent itching.
Apply moisturiser to your skin after bathing or swimming, and take lukewarm baths or showers to prevent drying out your skin.
5. Stress and anxiety
Emotional stress doesn’t cause eczema, but it can provoke symptoms.
The body releases a hormone called cortisol when under stress. In large doses, such as when dealing with chronic and ongoing stress, cortisol increases inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to skin inflammation and an eczema flare.
Deep breathing, meditation, getting plenty of rest, and regular exercise are keys to coping with stressful situations. The ability to reduce stress may keep your eczema under control.
If you have difficulty controlling anxiety or stress on your own, talk to your doctor about treatments or therapies.
Laundry detergents can lead to problems in people with sensitive skin. Many detergents contain chemicals and fragrances that irritate the skin, causing dryness, itchiness, and redness.
If your eczema appears to worsen after laundry day, switch to a fragrance-free detergent that’s safe for sensitive skin.
7. Scented products
Similar to laundry detergents, scented products that you apply to the body can also worsen eczema. Some people with eczema also have contact dermatitis, which is when rashes occur after contact with a substance. Scented soaps, lotions, perfumes, shower gels, and other personal care items can irritate the skin and trigger a flare.
Look for hypoallergenic, scent-free body products. Closely monitor your symptoms after starting a new product. If your symptoms worsen, discontinue use.
Sometimes, it’s not the detergent or scented product that causes an eczema flare, but rather the fabrics you wear. You may be sensitive to materials like polyester or wool, which can trigger itchiness and redness.
Avoid wearing any clothes that appear to worsen your condition, or wear an extra layer under the garment to protect your skin.
9. Airborne allergens
Airborne allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold can be eczema triggers.
To keep your home allergen-free, dust and vacuum regularly, and wash your bedding at least once a week. Also, look into replacing your carpet with hardwood floors.
OTC or prescription antihistamines can help control these symptoms.
A heavy workout could lead to heavy sweating, making your eczema symptoms worse.
If you have flares after exercising, lower the intensity of your workout or choose a cooler time of day to complete workout sessions. Exercise in the early morning hours before the heat of the day, or keep a fan nearby.
11. Skin infections
If left untreated, severe eczema can lead to skin damage, putting you at risk for infections. At the same time, developing a fungal, viral, or bacterial skin infection may trigger an eczema flare.
See a doctor if you notice any changes to your skin. You may need an antibacterial or antifungal medication to fight an infection and, in turn, relieve your eczema symptoms.
12. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes can also have an effect on your eczema. This is due to a drop in estrogen, which can occur during menopause and pregnancy, and before a menstrual cycle.
This decrease causes the skin to lose water, interfering with its ability to maintain moisture. This can lead to dryness and make your eczema worse.
While you might not be able to avoid this completely, talk to your doctor about potential ways to regulate your hormones. Also, make sure to moisturize more than usual during this time.
Eczema is common in babies and children, so it’s important to protect their delicate skin. Eczema patches can develop around the cheeks and chin of a drooling baby.
Saliva or drooling doesn’t cause eczema, but it can dry out a baby’s skin and cause itchy, red spots. To avoid this, apply lotions or creams that are safe for sensitive skin.
Managing your eczema doesn’t only involve the use of creams and medications. It also involves awareness of your potential triggers.
Keep track of your day-to-day tasks to identify what could be worsening your symptoms. Then, take the necessary steps to reduce exposure to those foods or products. Over time, you may see improvements in your symptoms.
If you are unsure of what triggers your eczema flare ups the Devon Allergy Clinic can assist you with Allergy Testing for food and environmental triggers,
Additionally there was also a 2016 study that suggested probiotics can have a positive effect on the symptoms of eczema. The balance of bacteria in the digestive system is one factor that affects the immune system. The reason many people use probiotics is that they believe they increase healthful gut bacteria.
People who use probiotics for eczema believe they make the immune system stronger. They reason that by strengthening the immune system, people can combat the faulty immune response that causes eczema.
Please get in touch with us for any allergy and gut related enquires on 01803 41100, additionally you can keep in touch with us on social media Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Inakadiriwa kuwa watu milioni 15 nchini Uingereza wana ugonjwa wa Eczema. Utafiti unaonyesha kwamba wakati kuna kuvunjika kwa kizuizi cha ngozi, hii inaweza kusababisha kuambukizwa kwa allergens kupitia ngozi ambayo inaweza kusababisha sensitization (uzalishaji wa IgE antibodies) na maendeleo ya mzio. Eczema husababisha nyekundu, kucha, ukame, na uvimbe wa ngozi, inashauriwa kwamba hata wakati ngozi ya eczema inaonekana kuwa katika hali nzuri, matumizi ya emollient inaendelea kuchukua nafasi ya unyevu katika ngozi tayari kavu na kupunguza hatari ya flare-ups ambapo ngozi inakuwa kuwaka na kucha. Ingawa kisababishi haijulikani kikamili, kutambua na kuepuka visababishi vinavyoweza kusababisha ugonjwa huo ni njia moja ya kudumisha ngozi safi na yenye afya. Eczema ya kiasi kidogo hadi wastani inaweza kujibu vizuri kwa cream za eneo la over-the-counter (OTC). Ikiwa una ugonjwa wa eczema, unaweza kuhitaji kuchukua hatua za ziada ili kupunguza kuambukizwa na visababishi fulani. Ikiwa hujui ni nini kinachosababisha ugonjwa wako, hapa kuna sababu 13 za kawaida na jinsi ya kuziepuka. Vyakula fulani vinaweza kuharibu ugonjwa wa eczema. Unaweza kupata mchochota baada ya kula vyakula na viungo vinavyosababisha uvimbe. Mifano ya vyakula hivyo inatia ndani sukari, wanga uliosafishwa, gluten, nyama nyekundu, na maziwa. Vivyo hivyo, kula vyakula ambavyo una mzio vinaweza kusababisha majibu ya uchochezi na kufanya dalili za eczema yako ziongezewe. Ikiwa una mzio wa chakula, njia moja ya kutambua vyakula vinavyoweza kuzidisha dalili zako ni kupitia lishe ya kuondoa. Andika kila kitu unachokula na kunywa kwa wiki chache. Kisha, andika siku ambazo ugonjwa wako wa kifafa unaonekana kuwa mbaya zaidi ili uone ni nini kinachotokea. Kwa mfano, ikiwa dalili za ugonjwa huo zinatokea baada ya kula maziwa, usilawe maziwa kwa siku au majuma machache. Angalia dalili zako ili uone kama zimeboresha. Ikiwa ugonjwa wako wa kifafa umepungua, polepole kurudisha maziwa katika mlo wako. Ikiwa dalili zinarudi, huenda bidhaa za maziwa zikawa chanzo cha ugonjwa huo. Kuondoa vyakula hivyo kwenye mlo wako kunaweza kuboresha afya ya ngozi yako. Ikiwa unafikiri unaweza kuwa na mzio wa chakula fulani, mwambie daktari wako. Wanaweza kukuelekeza kwa mtaalamu wa mzio ili afanyiwe uchunguzi zaidi. 2. Uwezekano wa kupata Joto la baridi kali ni jambo la kawaida kwa majira ya baridi kali, lakini hali ya hewa ya baridi kali inaweza kusababisha joto la joto kwa baadhi ya watu. Hewa kavu pamoja na mifumo ya joto ya ndani ya nyumba yaweza kukausha ngozi yako. Hewa kavu sana inaweza kuondoa unyevu wa ngozi yako. Mara nyingi ukame husababisha kukwaruza, ambayo huongoza kwenye kukwaruza na uvimbe. Ili kuhifadhi ngozi yako, tumia moisturizer na uifanye mara tu baada ya kuoga. Jelly ya petroli ni chaguo zuri. Lotions huenda isiwe yenye matokeo sana katika kutibu ngozi ya majira ya baridi kali. Vifaa vya kuingiza unyevu katika nyumba yako vinaweza pia kusaidia. 3. Uwe na mtazamo wa kweli Kwa upande mwingine, hali ya hewa ya joto pia yaweza kuchochea ugonjwa wa eczema. Mvua nyingi yaweza kusababisha ngozi kuuma. Jitunze kadiri iwezekanavyo ili kupunguza jasho. Pia, kunywa maji mengi ili kuepuka kupasha joto kupita kiasi, kuketi au kusimama katika maeneo yenye kivuli, na kutumia kipepeo. 4. Uwe na uhakika Kuathiriwa na maji Kuathiriwa na maji kwa muda mrefu ni kisababishi kingine. Maji yanaweza kusababisha ngozi kuwa kavu, ambayo yaweza kusababisha kukwaruza kwa muda mrefu. Tumia moisturizer kwenye ngozi yako baada ya kuoga au kuogelea, na uogope au kuoga kwa maji ya joto ili kuzuia ngozi yako isiwe kavu. 5. Uwe na mtazamo mzuri. Mkazo na wasiwasi Mkazo wa kihisia-moyo hausababishi eczema, lakini unaweza kusababisha dalili. Mwili hutokeza homoni iitwayo cortisol unapokuwa na mkazo. Katika kipimo kikubwa, kama vile wakati wa kushughulika na mkazo wa muda mrefu na unaoendelea, cortisol huongeza uvimbe katika mwili wote. Hilo laweza kusababisha uvimbe wa ngozi na ugonjwa wa eczema. Kupumua kwa kina, kutafakari, kupumzika kwa wingi, na kufanya mazoezi kwa ukawaida ni mambo muhimu ya kukabiliana na hali zenye mkazo. Uwezo wa kupunguza mkazo waweza kudhibiti ugonjwa wako wa eczema. Ikiwa una shida kudhibiti wasiwasi au mkazo peke yako, zungumza na daktari wako kuhusu matibabu au matibabu. Vichujaji vya nguo vinaweza kusababisha matatizo kwa watu wenye ngozi nyeti. Vifaa vingi vya kuosha vina kemikali na manukato ambayo huchochea ngozi, na kusababisha ukame, kukwaruza, na kuharibika. Ikiwa eczema yako inaonekana kuwa mbaya zaidi baada ya siku ya kuosha nguo, badilisha kwa dawa ya kuosha isiyo na harufu ambayo ni salama kwa ngozi nyeti. 7. Uwe na mtazamo gani? Kama vile dawa za kuosha nguo, dawa zenye harufu nzuri ambazo hutumiwa kuosha mwili zinaweza kuharibu ugonjwa wa ugonjwa wa ngozi. Watu wengi wana ugonjwa wa eczema pia wana ugonjwa wa ngozi unaoitwa contact dermatitis, ambao ni ugonjwa unaosababishwa na ngozi ya mtu baada ya kuwasiliana na kitu fulani. Sabuni zenye harufu nzuri, lotions, manukato, gel za kuoga, na vitu vingine vya utunzaji wa kibinafsi vinaweza kuudhuru ngozi na kusababisha mlipuko. Tafuta bidhaa za mwili zisizo na harufu na zisizo na harufu. Angalia dalili zako kwa makini baada ya kuanza kutumia dawa mpya. Ikiwa dalili zako zinazidi kuwa mbaya, acha kutumia. Nyakati nyingine, si dawa ya kuosha au bidhaa yenye harufu nzuri inayosababisha ugonjwa wa eczema, bali ni vitambaa unavyovaa. Unaweza kuwa na hisia kwa vifaa kama vile polyester au sufu, ambayo inaweza kusababisha kukwaruza na mwekundu. Usitumie nguo ambazo zinaonekana kuzidisha hali yako, au vaa safu ya ziada chini ya nguo ili kulinda ngozi yako. 9. (a) Kwa nini? Vimelea vinavyosababishwa na hewa Vimelea vinavyosababishwa na hewa kama vile chawa wa vumbi, chavua, manyoya ya wanyama, na kuvu vinaweza kusababisha eczema. Ili kuhifadhi nyumba yako bila mzio, futa na kusafisha kwa ukawaida, na fua vitanda vyako angalau mara moja kwa wiki. Pia, fikiria kubadilisha zulia lako kwa sakafu ya mbao ngumu. Dawa za antihistamini za OTC au za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa za dawa. Mazoezi mazito yanaweza kusababisha jasho kubwa, na kufanya dalili za eczema yako ziwe mbaya zaidi. Ikiwa una flares baada ya mazoezi, kupunguza kasi ya mazoezi yako au kuchagua wakati baridi ya siku ya kumaliza mazoezi. Fanya mazoezi mapema asubuhi kabla ya joto la siku, au uwe na kipepeo karibu. 11. (a) Kwa nini? Ugonjwa wa ngozi: Ikiwa haujatibiwa, eczema kali inaweza kusababisha uharibifu wa ngozi, ikikuweka katika hatari ya maambukizi. Wakati huohuo, kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa na kuambukizwa. Tafuta daktari kama utaona mabadiliko yoyote kwenye ngozi yako. Unaweza kuhitaji dawa ya kupambana na bakteria au ya kuua kuvu ili kupambana na maambukizo na kupunguza dalili za ugonjwa huo. 12. (a) Kwa nini? Mabadiliko ya homoni yanaweza pia kuathiri ugonjwa wako wa eczema. Hii ni kwa sababu ya kupungua kwa estrogen, ambayo inaweza kutokea wakati wa menopause na ujauzito, na kabla ya mzunguko wa hedhi. Kupungua huko husababisha ngozi kupoteza maji, na hivyo kudhoofisha uwezo wake wa kudumisha unyevu. Hii inaweza kusababisha ukame na kufanya eczema yako kuwa mbaya zaidi. Ingawa huenda usiweze kuepuka hali hii kabisa, zungumza na daktari wako kuhusu njia zinazoweza kurekebisha viwango vya homoni zako. Pia, hakikisha unanyunyizia maji zaidi ya kawaida wakati huo. Eczema ni ya kawaida kwa watoto wachanga na watoto, kwa hiyo ni muhimu kulinda ngozi yao nyembamba. Vipande vya eczema vinaweza kuonekana karibu na mashavu na kidevu cha mtoto anayetokwa na umajimaji. Mkojo au umajimaji hausababishi eczema, lakini waweza kukausha ngozi ya mtoto na kusababisha madoa mekundu yanayokwaruza. Ili kuepuka hali hiyo, tumia lotions au krimu ambazo ni salama kwa ngozi nyeti. Kudhibiti eczema yako haihusishi tu matumizi ya krimu na dawa. Pia inahusisha kujua mambo yanayoweza kukufanya ufanye hivyo. Angalia shughuli zako za kila siku ili uone ni nini kinachokufanya uwe na dalili mbaya zaidi. Kisha, chukua hatua zinazohitajika ili kupunguza uwezekano wa kuambukizwa vyakula au bidhaa hizo. Baada ya muda, huenda dalili zako zikawa bora zaidi. Ikiwa una wasiwasi juu ya nini kinachosababisha eczema, kliniki ya Devon Allergy inaweza kukusaidia na upimaji wa mzio kwa chakula na mazingira, na pia kuna utafiti wa 2016 ambao ulionyesha kuwa probiotics inaweza kuwa na athari nzuri kwa dalili za eczema. Usawa wa bakteria katika mfumo wa kumeng'enya chakula ni jambo moja linaloathiri mfumo wa kinga. Sababu ya watu wengi kutumia probiotics ni kwamba wanaamini wao kuongeza bakteria afya ya matumbo. Watu wanaotumia viungo vya probiotic kwa ajili ya eczema wanaamini kwamba vinaimarisha mfumo wa kinga. Wanafikiri kwamba kwa kuimarisha mfumo wa kinga, watu wanaweza kupambana na mfumo wa kinga usiofaa unaosababisha ugonjwa wa kifafa. Kwa maswali yoyote yanayohusiana na allergy na gut, tafadhali wasiliana nasi kwenye 0183-41100 na pia unaweza kuwasiliana nasi kwenye mitandao ya kijamii kama Facebook, Twitter na Instagram.