Eczema triggers
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Eczema Triggers: Understanding the Key Factors
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition that affects individuals of all ages, particularly children. Identifying and managing triggers is crucial for reducing the frequency and severity of eczema flares. This article synthesizes current research on the various triggers of eczema, including environmental factors, allergens, and other irritants.
Environmental Triggers in Eczema
Dust and Pets
Exposure to dust and unfamiliar pets has been identified as significant triggers for eczema flares. Studies have shown that these environmental factors can exacerbate the condition, particularly in children 1. Dust mites and pet dander are common allergens that can provoke an immune response, leading to skin inflammation and itching.
Seasonal Variation and Weather Conditions
Seasonal changes and weather conditions also play a role in eczema flares. Cold weather, for instance, can increase the effect of certain irritants like shampoo, leading to more severe symptoms 1. Additionally, sweating during hot weather can aggravate eczema, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable and comfortable environment for those affected 1.
Clothing and Fabrics
Certain types of clothing, particularly those made from nylon, have been associated with increased eczema flares. The friction and heat generated by synthetic fabrics can irritate the skin, making it essential to choose soft, breathable materials like cotton for individuals with eczema 1.
Allergens and Eczema
Food Allergens
Food allergens are a well-documented trigger for eczema, especially in children. Common food triggers include cow’s milk and hen’s eggs, which can provoke flares in sensitized individuals 4. Diagnostic measures such as skin-prick tests and oral food challenges are often used to identify specific food allergens that may be contributing to eczema symptoms 24.
Inhalant Allergens
Inhalant allergens, such as pollen and house dust mites, are also significant triggers for eczema. These allergens can cause both immediate and delayed skin reactions, leading to persistent and severe eczema in some patients 26. Managing exposure to these allergens through environmental controls and allergen-avoidance strategies can help reduce flare-ups.
Irritants and Skin Barrier Function
Soaps and Detergents
Soaps and detergents, particularly those containing harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, are common irritants that can damage the skin barrier and trigger eczema 35. Using mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoiding excessive washing can help maintain skin integrity and prevent flares.
Water Hardness
Recent research has suggested that living in areas with hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium carbonate, may increase the risk of developing eczema. Hard water can disrupt the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation 3.
Psychological Stress
Psychological stress is another factor that can exacerbate eczema. Stress can trigger the release of certain hormones and inflammatory mediators that worsen skin symptoms. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes can be beneficial for individuals with eczema 15.
Microbial Factors
Skin Infections
Skin infections caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and fungi like Malassezia can trigger or worsen eczema. These infections can lead to increased inflammation and itching, making it essential to treat any underlying infections promptly 589.
Conclusion
Eczema is a complex condition with a variety of triggers, including environmental factors, allergens, irritants, and psychological stress. Understanding and managing these triggers is crucial for reducing the frequency and severity of eczema flares. By identifying specific triggers and implementing appropriate avoidance and treatment strategies, individuals with eczema can achieve better control over their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Flares in childhood eczema.
Combinations of environmental factors, such as nylon clothing, dust, unfamiliar pets, sweating, and shampoo, can exacerbate childhood eczema flares.
Systematic ReviewAllergic triggers in atopic dermatitis.
Eliminating food and environmental allergens can significantly improve atopic dermatitis in some patients, with diagnostic tests and allergen-avoidance measures being beneficial.
Aetiology and prevention of eczema
Water hardness may be associated with eczema, and promoting healthy skin development in early life may help prevent its onset.
Systematic ReviewEczematous reactions to food in atopic eczema: position paper of the EAACI and GA2LEN
Food allergy and atopic eczema can coexist in the same patient, with food-induced eczema being a significant trigger factor and requiring thorough diagnostic procedures to determine sensitization and clinical relevance.
Highly CitedTriggers in atopic dermatitis/eczema : separating fact from fiction : review article
Triggers for atopic dermatitis/eczema include irritants, allergens, skin infections, cigarette smoke exposure, and psychological stress, but identifying specific triggers is challenging due to the fluctuating nature of the condition.
Literature ReviewImmunology of atopic eczema: overcoming the Th1/Th2 paradigm
Atopic eczema's pathogenesis involves immune changes beyond Th2, with specialized dendritic cells and T helper cell subsets playing roles, and trigger factors expanding beyond classical allergens to microbial products and self-antigens.
Highly CitedEczema in children.
Children with eczema may experience itching and redness in their skin when exposed to certain triggers, and if left untreated, may worsen over time.
Eczema and Dermatitis
Eczema and dermatitis are common skin diseases characterized by itching, scaling, and epidermal edema, with a variety of causes and triggers.
Higher pH level, corresponding to that on the skin of patients with atopic eczema, stimulates the release of Malassezia sympodialis allergens
Higher pH levels, similar to those found in atopic eczema patients' skin, stimulate the release of Malassezia sympodialis allergens.
Observational Study