Ease the Itch by Avoiding Eczema Triggers
Avoid irritants.
Certain soaps, perfumes, and laundry detergents can irritate and cause itchy skin. It is recommended that you use the mildest soaps possible and avoid perfumes and colognes that can dry and irritate the skin. When laundering, use a second rinse cycle to help remove irritating detergents from clothing.
Dress for comfort.
Choose clothing that is soft and breathable. Loose cotton garments are the best choice. In the winter, clothing should be loose and layered to minimize friction on the skin. Fabrics like wool, nylon, and polyester can irritate the skin and stimulate the itch-scratch cycle. Certain dyes can also irritate and cause itchy skin.
Minimize stress.
Stressful feelings such as anger, frustration, and embarrassment may trigger outbreaks of eczema (atopic dermatitis, or AD).16 Because eczema is stressful enough by itself, feelings such as these can lead to a cycle of suffering. The key to dealing with stress-related eczema outbreaks is to recognize the factors that induce stress and reduce them.
Minimizing Outbreaks in Childhood Eczema
Avoid irritants.
Soaps, chlorinated water, wool clothing, or sudden changes in temperature or humidity can cause eczema outbreaks in children. Pet fur, pollen, and certain foods can also trigger an eczema outbreak. Even a child’s own saliva can be an irritant, which is why the cheeks and the skin surrounding the mouth are
often affected.
Stress.
In children, emotional stress is one of the most difficult trigger factors to predict. Children with eczema often have outbreaks when experiencing normal childhood feelings such as anger, frustration, and fear.
- Don't let your child get overheated. Talk to your doctor about how to cool down after active play periods
- Avoid wool or other scratchy fabrics. Choose breathable fabrics. Soft fleeces in winter and cool cottons in summer are the best choices to prevent itchy skin
- Don't use products that irritate the skin such as harsh soaps, bleach, or detergents
- Be aware that playing with cats, dogs, and other furry animals may trigger an outbreak
- Keep an eye on humidity levels. Low humidity can dry the skin, especially on cold winter days. High humidity and heat can lead to increased sweating and make itchy skin worse
- Be aware that certain foods may trigger an eczema outbreak. These include eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, soy/soybeans, fish, wheat, and hot, spicy foods16,17