Eczema patches are itchy, red, and not at all pleasant to look at, but they could be telling you more things about your overall health than you might think. The surefire way to eliminate those itchy, flaky patches of skin is pinpointing the root cause of them.
People who have coped with eczema since infancy usually have a hereditary type of eczema known as atopic dermatitis. However, those who have their first outbreak in adulthood likely have another form of dermatitis that is the result of environmental triggers known as contact dermatitis. In any case, pinpointing triggers and avoiding them can go a long way in relieving your symptoms.
Here are 5 important things your eczema could be telling you about your health.
You simply suffer from seasonal allergies
It is common for those with eczema to experience an outbreak at summer time which is when pollen counts are at their peak. It is critical to avoid scratching to prevent further irritation and inflammation, however. An ideal solution is to moisturize daily and use a hydrocortisone ointment or cream. Lessening and preventing eczema flare-ups should really be about restoring the protective layer of the skin, which is only possible by avoiding triggers such as hot water and products containing harsh chemicals to help the skin retain enough moisture.
You may be allergic or intolerant to a certain food
Having a food intolerance or allergy such as dairy or wheat means that consuming the type of food that does not agree with your body can result in a flare-up. If you believe that a certain food you eat may be the culprit, you can consult with an allergist to determine whether this is the case.
You should rethink your choice of soap or detergent
A variety of irritants such as rough clothing, cleaning supplies containing harsh substances, and even sweat can contribute to the inflammation that results in eczema symptoms. So, it is paramount to identify potential triggers to keep clear of anything that may irritate or inflame the skin such as specific fabric types, harsh soaps, or colognes/perfumes. If you consult a dermatologist, they may use patch testing to determine your allergic reactions, which can be everything from metals to preservatives.
Your skin has lost all its moisture
The reason cold and dry weather triggers outbreaks is that this type of air dries out the skin. It is essential bundle up properly to not leave any areas of the skin exposed to the cold temperatures. Even when in indoors, increasing the heat can also have a drying effect. A good way to maintain the moisture in your skin and improve symptoms is to use a humidifier. You can also take a warm shower no longer than 10 minutes using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing soap.
You’re over-stressed
While the reason is still unknown, too much stress aggravates eczema. Most people with eczema report that when they get stressed out or nervous, their itching tends to worsen. When it is unbearable, they cannot fight the urge to scratch, which makes things even worse. The best way to relieve the itching is using a topical corticosteroid like Cortizone 10.
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Posted on May 18, 2023