What are the factors that trigger Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, inflamed skin which usually becomes dry. This condition is mostly observed in the first few years of life i.e. before the age of 5 years in an infant or young children. This is a chronic skin disorder that is non-contagious. Certain things from climate change to possible allergens cause eczema to flare. Eczema is generally shown as red, crusty patches on the skin. Finding the exact cause of eczema is important to find the right treatment and its management. Eczema may occur when the body makes too few fatty cells called ceramides. In this, the skin loses water and becomes excessively dry. 
 
Eczema is a long-lasting skin disorder that tends to flare up periodically. Certain treatments and self-care treatments must be adopted to treat eczema. Dr. Keerthana Kalva is a well-known skin specialist in Hyderabad who provides effective and advanced treatments for eczema. She creates treatment plans that are customised according to the specific condition and unique requirements of a patient. 
 
Factors that trigger eczema
Food: certain foods and ingredients can worsen eczema. These include sugar, refined carbohydrates, gluten, red meats, and dairy. If one observes that any of these food products flare the conditions then their consumption must be reduced or rather stopped. 
 
1. Cold air: cold weather and dry air make the skin more prone to eczema. Too much dry air can suck out the moisture of the skin. Dryness leads to itching and it can further cause inflammation. A good moisturizer must be applied to the skin in order to prevent the flare-ups of eczema in cold weather. Patients are suggested to not stay in or visit the places which have low temperature, if possible.  

2. Hot weather: this also causes irritation. Heavy perspiration leads to itchy skin. In such a condition in order to avoid the triggering of eczema, one must drink plenty of fluids to avoid overheating. 

3. Coming in contact with water: prolonged exposure to water is another trigger for this skin condition. Water can also cause dry skin which leads to itching. This is one of the factors which can be reduced by applying moisturizer to the skin after bathing. Lukewarm water helps in preventing drying of the skin. 

4. Stress: stress provokes the symptoms of eczema. The body releases a hormone called cortisol when it is under stress. This hormone increases inflammation throughout the body which causes an eczema flare-up. Stress must be reduced as it keeps eczema under control. 

5. Scented products: these products usually worsen eczema. People affected with eczema can also have contact dermatitis. Scented products can irritate the skin and trigger the flare. Scent-free products must be used to avoid flare-ups. 

6. Allergens: airborne allergens such as dust mites, pollen triggers eczema. Patients who are affected by eczema must stay away from dust. Proper hygiene and clean surroundings must be maintained at all times. 

7. Heavy exercise: heavy workout could lead to heavy sweating and it makes the symptoms of eczema worse. Individuals must lower the intensity of the workout or must perform sessions on a cooler time. Exercise in the early morning hours before the heat of the day is one good option. 

8. Hormonal imbalance: hormonal changes have a triggering effect on eczema. This may be due to a drop in estrogen which mainly occurs during menopause and pregnancy. This causes the skin to lose water and interferes with its ability to maintain moisture. 
 
Changing season is considered one of the main reasons for flare-ups of eczema. Seeking guidance from a trained skin specialist helps with the right and suitable instructions or modifications to avoid eczema symptoms/flare-ups.  

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