Eczema, commonly known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that’s not contagious, and severe itching, scaly rashes, oozing, and redness characterise it. These symptoms can not only be painful but also cause blisters and changes in skin colour. Sometimes eczema is linked with hay fever, allergies, and asthma. If your child suffers from eczema, they’re at a higher risk of getting asthma or allergies {1}. There are still lots of ongoing scientific studies to connect the link between these conditions. Eczema is more common In children, but this doesn’t exclude adults from suffering from it.
People who suffer from eczema can attest that it’s a condition that comes and goes. However, it results in dry, sensitive skin and allergens can worsen it. People with eczema often suffer from very dry skin because their skin is unable to retain moisture. This skin dryness, however, makes it more likely to react to specific triggers, which end up causing it to become itchy and sore.
What allergies cause eczema?
Seasonal allergies like ragweed, tree, mould, and grass pollen can worsen eczema symptoms. Exposure to indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites can also trigger allergy symptoms. It can sometimes be hard to avoid contact with these allergens, so you may end up with eczema for long periods due to exposure. You can only help your skin by aggressively moisturising it, using antihistamines, and topical skin corticosteroids if needed. However, a better measure of this is taking an Allergy Test to help determine which allergen you’re reacting to. Once you know, you can even move forward to ways of managing it, like allergen immunotherapy.
Contact allergies are another way to flare up your eczema symptoms. For example, your eczema symptoms can be set off by something you constantly come in contact with. This could be a piece of jewellery with nickel, rubber, chemicals in your makeup, skincare products, or disinfectants. In this case, an allergy test would also be of the utmost help.
Besides environmental allergies, specific triggers may cause your eczema to flare up. These include:
- Irritants: Soaps, detergents, shampoos, washing liquid, and bubble baths with fragrances or harsh chemicals
- Cloth materials such as wool and synthetic fibres
- Food allergies: Like milk, eggs, Siya, wheat, peanuts, and other typical food allergens
- Heat: Eczema tends to flare up in hot weather since your skin dries out and results in sweating. Sweat collects in the armpits and inner part of your elbow resulting in skin irritation. Wear light, breathable clothing in the summer and avoid going outside when the sun’s heat is at its peak. However, if you have to go outside, ensure you have a small towel to wipe away excess sweat. Keep your body hydrated inside and out.
- Skin infections
- Hormonal changes: Women may find eczema symptoms worsen days before their period or during pregnancy.
How do I know if I have eczema or skin allergy?
Specific symptoms will let you know you’re suffering from eczema. These include:
- Itchiness
- Red rash or red patches on the skin, especially in folds like in the elbows and knees
- Dry skin which can crack and possibly bleed
The location of eczema can change with age. Infants and young children have eczema on the cheeks, knees, and outside of the elbows. However, older children and adults have eczema on their hands, arms, feet, and the back of their knees. Since the symptoms include blisters, it can be very painful. Additionally, some people experience changes in skin colour. Eczema symptoms like itching can be severe, often interrupting sleep. However, scratching your skin can result in an infection. You’ll often find infants with eczema rubbing against bedding or other things to relieve the itch.
How to prevent eczema flare-ups
The primary way to manage eczema is by moisturising your skin daily and taking medications your allergist or doctor has prescribed. Avoiding triggers can also help you stay symptoms free. Tips to prevent eczema flare-ups include:
- Get an Allergy Test: If you can pin your symptoms to a specific food, or environmental factor, you can quickly figure out ways to avoid it.
- Avoid things that irritate your skin: Items such as wool, perfumes, detergents, chemicals, cigarette smoke, and sand often trigger eczema. Avoiding these would help.
- Avoid allergy triggers: Once you know what your allergy triggers are upon taking an Allergy Test, you can do your best to avoid them. For example, if you have a dust mites allergy, you can prevent it by using an allergy-proof cover on your pillows and mattress. You can also switch your carpet for wooden floors and regularly vacuum clean your house and mop it with water. Additionally, you can keep your humidity below 45% if you have a mould allergy to stop mould growth. If it grows in your bathroom, use an exhaust fan when showering to prevent mould from growing on your bathroom walls.
- Use a good moisturiser: Opt for thick creams and ointments that keep your skin from drying.
- Breastfeed and change your baby’s diet: Experts advise that breastfeeding your baby for the first 6 to 12 months of your child’s life may lower their risk of getting asthma or allergies. If your child is at a high risk of developing allergies, your doctor will recommend diet changes to reduce this risk. For example, this can be holding off on solid foods until your baby is at least six months old.
Seasonal allergies eczema treatment
It doesn’t matter what triggered your eczema to flare up; moisturising is the most effective way to manage it. Bathe in lukewarm water, and instead of rubbing your skin to dry, tap it with a towel, then apply ointment or cream to seal the moisture in. Suppose you have severe eczema, prescription pills, ointments, or injectable medications. If you’re not sure precisely what is causing your eczema flare-ups, get an Allergy Test today, so you know what to keep away from. If you have an infant and think they may be suffering from eczema, contact a paediatrician.
References
- Worth, A., & Sheikh, A. (2010). Food allergy and atopic eczema. Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology, 10(3), 226-230.
