10 Triggers for Eczema and How to Tame Flair-Ups

Eczema is a broad term used to describe a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, dry, itchy, or scaly and in severe cases may weep, bleed or crust over. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema and although it effects all ages.

All though the exact cause of eczema is unknown some factors that can trigger eczema symptoms include:

· Asthma or hay fever

· Family history of eczema

· Foods — dairy, wheat, citrus fruit, eggs, nuts & seafood

· Alcohol

· Chemicals

· Hot & humid or cold & dry conditions

· Dust mites

· Moulds

· Stress

· Dry Skin

Winter is the worst season for eczema, but summer can also present challenges as the increased heat and humidity. Sweating is the number one enemy for eczema prone skin as it leads to increased aggravation due to the salts and minerals in the sweat irritating the broken skin.

To Reduce Flare Ups, Avoid These Skincare Ingredients:

· Fragrances

· Essential Oils

· Urea

· Lanolin

· Retinoids

· Cocamidopropyl Betaine

· Propylene Glycol

· Ethanol

What’s Going to Tame It?

As the skin barrier is compromised, moisturise with ceramides to help rebuild and restore the protective barrier of the skin to retain moisture. Ceramides are essential fats found naturally in the skin and make up over 50% of the skin’s composition. They play an important role in protecting your skin against environmental threats and moisturiser containing ceramides can help restore the skin’s protective barrier and boost hydration.

Colloidal Oat Flour can help alleviate some of the discomfort that comes with eczema as it’s a well-known skin calming and soothing ingredient. It boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit your skin. Antioxidants fight free radicals which can damage your body through oxidative stress and this stress is linked to skin diseases such as eczema.

What are the Signs It’s Working?

If you’re moisturiser or serum is working you should see reduced redness, flakiness, and itchiness. Should your symptoms become more intense, cease use of the product, and consult your GP or Dermatologist.