Eczema 101: What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is a complex skin disorder that can be caused or affected by a number of factors. It's an immune-driven condition that has been linked to asthma and allergies, both of which are also characterized by overreactions on the part of the immune system. People with eczema tend to have a weak skin barrier that allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter, leading to dryness and inflammation.
Research has also shown that eczema has a genetic component—meaning that if other members of your family have a history of eczema, you're more likely to develop it as well. But that’s not the whole story and environmental factors likely play a role too. We’re still learning about the causes of eczema.
What we do know is that people with eczema tend to experience symptoms (often referred to as an eczema flare-up) when they are exposed to certain triggers.
Common Eczema Triggers
Eczema triggers vary from person to person, and can be environmental, physical, and emotional. Below are some of the more common triggers for eczema:
contact with certain types of fabric, such as wool
contact with irritants or chemicals such as soaps, chlorine, detergents
contact with certain skin care products, makeup, or perfume
pollutants like smoke (including cigarette smoke)
low humidity or dry weather
hot or cold temperatures
difficult emotions or mental health symptoms, like stress, anxiety, or depression
allergic reactions
infections, including colds, flus, and bacterial infections, like Staph aureus
For people with eczema, learning to identify and avoid their triggers is an extremely important part of managing their flares. Experts recommend protecting your skin from drying out in hot or cold temperatures, making a habit of reading the labels on any topical or household products to avoid fragrances or dyes that might trigger your skin, and doing your best to keep stress levels in check. Keeping a record of your flares can also help identify their causes. If triggers prove hard to pin down, consider seeing an allergist for a patch test.
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Global Parents for Eczema Research (GPER) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2015 by parents of children with eczema. Frustrated by the lack of evidence-based information and resources around eczema and eczema treatments, they created GPER in an effort to support eczema research and advocate for evidence-based medical decision-making for parents. Our offerings include support and resources for eczema caregivers, research, and public policy work to improve care and treatments for people with eczema. Sign up for our newsletter today to learn more about how we can help you on your eczema journey! If you like what we do, donate to GPER!
