Common Triggers For Eczema Rashes - What Factors Can Cause Or Increase Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema is an itchy, red rash that for some begin as babies. Let's look at some typical triggers that can either be the cause or a significant aggravating factor for eczema rashes. There can be both food reactions as well as external irritants.

Home Factors

First, do an analysis of your home to see if there are problems with dust, pet hair, humidity issues or reactions to rugs. Whatever is on the bed should be washed in hot water with a detergent that is for sensitive skin. This includes not just the sheets and blankets but also stuffed animals. An allergist can do a skin prick test for dust mites to determine of the atopic eczema or dermatitis has that origin. In any case, vacuum regularly and use a humidfier if the air is dry in house due to forced heat.

What Are You Eating

Foods are known to cause skin rashes and the biggest culprits seem to be eggs, dairy, nuts and seafood. Again an allergist can help with testing or you can put yourself on a rotation or elimination diet. Watch out for fooddyes as well in food. I have had clients react to the food coloring in candies.Kids may not cooperate with dietary restrictions to test things so you may want to have allergy testing by an allergist instead to see if food trigger or aggravate the atopic dermatitis. This also applies to other forms of eczema such as nummular eczema eczema including contact dermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or discoid dermatitis.

External Conditions

It's good to wear cotton clothing and avoid wool while you are sorting things out. Some people react to latex so be aware of your gloves. A mild soap like dove for sensitive skin works well as it contains no perfumes. For bathing use oatmeal baths rather than commercial bath soaks. Check your detergent to be sure it is dye free.

Do not use hot water for showers but instead use luke warm water. Avoid scrubbing the skin either with a towel or using abrasives. I once aggravated my eczema rash using a salt scrub harshly on my skin and paid for that dearly. If you work where they use lots of chemicals examine that. For other employment, find out when they clean and see if you can take a break during that time.