2. Allergens
Allergens such as pet fur or dander, dust mites, and pollen are a common trigger. Trying to establish the exact link though between eczema and allergies is more of a circular debate. Do allergens enter the body thanks to a weakened skin barrier, which then allows the immune system to misread signals and go haywire? Or do we say that it is the malfunctioning immune system which leads to the inflammation which weakens the skin barrier and ultimately leads to eczema?
The above questions are difficult to answer and the starting point is not clear. However, over the past few years, science has identified that it is probably better to think of eczema as a skin defect, which allows the allergens in, and sets off the immune system’s response. The response, of course, is the skin irritation that is eczema. Scientists admit though that this may be oversimplifying the matter as things would be slightly different for each patient.