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Thirty-two million Americans have eczema, according to the National Eczema Association. Scientists still don\u2019t know enough about the exact causes of this skin condition, except that genetics seems to play a role. Even when all twenty-five genetic indicators are present in your DNA, that doesn\u2019t mean you will show any symptoms of the disease though.<\/p>\n
Eczema presents as a weakened barrier to the skin in which the skin is red, swollen, itchy, dry and ultimately flaky. It is not helped by a malfunctioning autoimmune response, which reacts to allergens – or perceived allergens – by rapidly making excess skin. This is when symptoms flare up and spread to cause unsightly skin disfigurement known as eczema.<\/p>\n
Each person\u2019s triggers are unique and because much of this disease is still shrouded in enigma, the exact causal links between the trigger and symptom outcome are unclear, except that they happen. Here are the main causes and triggers.<\/p>\n
The most prevalent form of eczema<\/a> is atopic dermatitis (AD). This form does seem to follow genetic lineage sometimes, as scientists have established that it is passed down in families. Not only this, it is part of what scientists call the atopic triad, a triangle of common diseases or disorders that seem to be related or go together. These are AD, asthma, and hayfever.<\/p>\n These do not necessarily manifest in the same person, and if someone has all three conditions, they would not necessarily show up in that person all at the same time either. If there is a history of asthma or hay fever in your relatives or family tree, you are more likely to develop AD than others. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an immune system disorder as much as it is a skin disease. Something triggers your immune system which then mistakenly sets to work to \u2018rectify\u2019 an issue which isn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n Allergens<\/a> 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?<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Patients with atopic dermatitis, the most common kind of eczema, usually have a food allergy as well. This is why if you have eczema, you should be tested for food allergies especially if you\u2019ve shown a sensitivity to eating certain foods. It is rare, but not entirely unreported, that food allergies – especially in children – have triggered flare-ups. They also seem to impact the kind of symptoms experienced. The most important link though is that if you have eczema, you have a higher risk of developing a food allergy as well.<\/p>\n The most common allergies are milk, egg<\/a>, and peanuts but rare triggers such as corn and chocolate also exist. Citrus fruits, berries, and tomatoes are unlikely to cause any actual allergic reaction, but they sometimes cause an irritation on or near the face area. If you or your child has severe atopic dermatitis that doesn\u2019t respond to aggressive treatments, it\u2019s best to get tested for food allergies as well.<\/p>\n Although not many studies have been done on mold as a trigger, it has been positively identified as such in a few patients. This makes sense in light of the link between allergens – especially airborne ones – and eczema. Mold releases airborne spores. You easily breathe this in and your body recognizes them as foreign invaders and develops an allergy response to fight them. By this point we know what happens – your immune system literally gets trigger-happy and goes into overdrive. The result? Those itchy your skin rash and flakes.<\/p>\n So, what can you do to help yourself? Keep humidity at bay – under 40% atmospheric humidity is good. When you see mold growing, clean the area in its tracks – vinegar<\/a> and bleach are good for this, as is keeping water damage or leaks under control. Keeping an adequate supply of airflow in an area is also a good way of stemming the sudden rise of mold.<\/p>\n As with asthma, many patients experience AD flare-ups after a life event that\u2019s caused anxiety<\/a> or stress. There is no set level of anxiety that has to be reached – the issue is that the situation is stressful for the particular person experiencing it. In other words, the measure of stress is subjective. Worry suppresses the immune system. It deprives the body of the feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. In its place is cortisol, as emitted by the adrenal glands as part of the \u2018fight or flight\u2019 response.<\/p>\n A weakened immune system is the last thing a patient with eczema needs. Some or other irritant is bound to take advantage of this lowered immunity. Under normal circumstances, even for the eczema patient, nothing would happen. But this isn\u2019t a normal situation and the immune system now works overtime to fortify the body. There begins the cycle of accidentally creating the rash on the skin\u2019s surface and other eczema symptoms.<\/p>\n After the itchiness of a rash<\/a> has subsided, what remains is the intensely dry skin and the flaking. Consequently, anything that dries out the skin even more instead of creating a hydrating barrier is usually a trigger. You have to pay particular attention to the skin products you use – keep it as natural, fragrance- and paraben-free, pH-balanced and hydrating as possible. If not, and it irritates or dries out your skin, it will only cause a flare-up.<\/p>\n The National Eczema Organization recommends that you look for moisturizers bearing the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance mark. These have been chosen for their ability not to irritate sensitive skin, and to create a great hydrating barrier. Two of the safest moisturizers you can use are generic petroleum jelly and mineral oil. The latter should be free from additives. Remember though that as your skin changes and adapts, a product can cease to be compatible or effective. If one product has worked for you, study the ingredients.<\/p>\n Anything that is non-hypoallergenic or can dry out your skin can fuel the irritation<\/a> and lead to an intense eczema episode. While we all want to be fashionable and no one is suggesting that eczema sufferers need to be drab, most patients agree that there is nothing better than finding a piece of clothing that leaves the skin feeling serene and unprovoked.<\/p>\n It helps to remember that for most people clothing is a barrier but if you have this condition, it\u2019s like constructing a barrier that\u2019s already broken, so it\u2019s essential to get your fabric choice right. A general rule of thumb is the more natural the fabric the better, and the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric. It is best to avoid anything synthetic as well as anything furry, such as wool. Synthetic fabrics contain chemicals that irritate the skin and also don\u2019t breathe very well. This traps moisture that can start flare-ups.<\/p>\n We come into contact with so many chemicals<\/a> each day, often without even realizing it. Anything from hair dye to your washing detergent could upset your skin and cause an eczema-related irritation. Irritants to avoid include triclosan. This active ingredient usually lurks in any anti-bacterial, e.g. sanitizers, cleansers and deodorants. Also, avoid parabens. These are a kind of preservative in cosmetics and certain drug products.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll usually find them listed as methylparaben, ethylparaben, and n-propylparaben. Phthalates are also found everywhere – plastics, fragrances and more. They are a known irritant. Fragrance or perfumes should almost always be avoided or used sparingly – they are probably the number one irritant. This doesn\u2019t mean giving up on luxury – what you could do is simply switch to essential oils. Anything else has additives and harmful-to-your-sensitive-skin chemical compounds. According to The Environmental Working Group, the number one thing skin reacts badly with is Oxybenzone. It is toxic but commonly found in sunscreens.<\/p>\n While it is important to keep your skin smooth and hydrated<\/a>, nothing says \u2018flare up\u2019 than a bath that is too hot or a soak that is too long. Too hot a temperature can scald your sensitive skin even though it doesn\u2019t feel like scalding, and cause your body to have to repair itself – and the rash is what ensues. You also have to ensure that your bath products are hypoallergenic and as fragrant- and chemical-free as possible.<\/p>\n Most dermatologists recommend non-detergent soaps. Symptoms can be worsened by fragrances, harsh chemicals, antibacterial ingredients or preservatives. Also, avoid cloths and towels that cause friction and are too fibrous or chemical-laden; exfoliators such as loofahs, brushes, and scrubbers. Resist that hot steam even though the lure can be overpowering. Doctors recommend turning down the temperature from hot, showering once a day only, not lathering up your entire body with soap and not staying in the shower for longer than 5 minutes.<\/p>\n Toxic Induced Loss of Tolerance, (TILT,) is one of the contributing factors to the development of eczema outbreaks. This condition occurs when the person with eczema develops an adverse response to toxins<\/a> absorbed by the skin. The disorder occurs for numerous reasons, and its often the reason why people incur their first outbreak of eczema.<\/span><\/p>\n For example, a person collecting trash on the beach after a storm may decide to place their fingers inside bottles to free up their hands as they pick up the garbage. However, if they stick their fingers inside bottles of bleach or other industrial chemicals, they may develop TILT as a reaction to the increase in toxins applied to the skin of the fingers. The result is an outbreak of eczema between the fingers and on the back of the hands.<\/span><\/p>\n Doctors are at a loss to explain the biological mechanism that creates the onset of TILT.<\/span><\/p>\n Some people have hypersensitivity to eating carbohydrates<\/a>, such as refined sugar products like soda and candy. As a result, they develop significant amounts of gastrointestinal inflammation that affects the walls of the intestines, forcing them to swell. This inflammation affects every other biological system and organ in the body \u2013 including the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n If you experience eczema outbreaks after eating carb-heavy meals, then you could be suffering from GI inflammation due to the food you\u2019re eating. Review your diet and take note of everything you eat in a journal. When you experience an outbreak of eczema, review your records and look for any carbohydrate foods you ate the previous day. The chances are that using this method \u2013 you\u2019ll be able to identify any foods causing GI inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n Remove these foods from your diet and replace them with whole grains and sprouts, as well as healthy sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.<\/span><\/p>\n Your environment plays a significant role in the development and severity of your eczema symptoms. People who are suffering from eczema should avoid dry, hot climates with little moisture in the air. In these conditions, the skin dries out, intensifying itching symptoms associated with the disorder. <\/span><\/p>\n Heat also causes the skin to sweat, and while the natural oils from your skin may soothe symptoms of itching. However, when you sweat excessively, the skin finds it irritating<\/a>, exacerbating itching symptoms. These itching symptoms can also occur if you wear too many layers to bed, and notice yourself waking up in the night in a pool of sweat. <\/span><\/p>\n Keep your skin cool and dry while you sleep \u2013 but not too dry. If you live in a region of the United States where the air is dry at night, purchase a diffuser. Run the diffuser while you sleep to keep the air in the room at a suitable relative humidity of between 55 and 60-percent.<\/span><\/p>\n Eczema inflames the skin, causes an intensely itchy rash with reddened, flaky skin. Unfortunately, when in this inflamed state, the skin becomes susceptible to infection by viruses and bacteria. As a result, people with an outbreak of eczema may run the risk of developing severe skin infections, such as Staphylococcus or molluscum virus.<\/span><\/p>\n These bacterium and viruses find it easy to penetrate the inflamed layers of the skin, and the damaged area allows the disease to spread quickly. If you experience an outbreak of eczema, make sure that you do everything you can to prevent your skin from catching an infection. Natural antimicrobial and antibacterial skin creams that feature aloe vera concentrate are excellent for protecting the affected area, preventing bacteria<\/a> and viruses from penetrating the deeper layers.<\/span><\/p>\n Other viruses and bacteria to watch out for include herpes, which causes cold sores and fever blisters, as well as ringworm and fungi that have the propensity to infect people with inflamed skin or weak immune systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Allergen-Food.jpg\")
2. Allergens<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Allergy.jpg\")
3. Food Allergies<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Mold.jpg\")
4. Mold<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Stress.jpg\")
5. Stress<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Calamine-Lotion.jpg\")
6. Skin Products<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Loose-Clothing.jpg\")
7. Fabrics<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Washing-Your-Clothes.jpg\")
8. Chemicals<\/h3>\n<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Warm-Bath.jpg\")
9. Long, Hot Baths and Warm Showers<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Other-condition_lactose-Intolerance.jpg\")
10. TILT<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Gallstones.jpg\")
11. Gastrointestinal Issues<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Sunlight.jpg\")
12. Climate<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Foot-Infection.jpg\")
13. Infection<\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hormones.jpg\")
14. Hormones<\/h3>\n