Eczema Causes - What Triggers Eczema Flare Ups

Eczema is a distressing skin disorder that usually runs in families. Whilst exact eczema causes are still unclear, their triggers have been widely reported and documented. Avoiding or eliminating these triggers can make a great difference to the lives of eczema sufferers.

In families where asthma, eczema and hay fever is prevalent, the chances of a child developing eczema are much greater. Although more research is needed into this and into the exact way it is passed on from parents to children, scientists believe that eczema may be caused by the body’s immune system over-reacting to certain stimuli. When these cells are triggered, they erupt on the surface of the skin. Eczema causes extreme itching and the urge to scratch, which in turn irritates the skin, making it red, angry and swollen.

The most common eczema causes or triggers are sudden climate changes, particularly if these involve extremes of temperature. Water is another factor, particularly hard water. It is also well documented that detergents and soaps, bath products and cosmetic can all cause flare-up of eczema. Airborne allergens such as house dust, pollen, pet hair etc are all well known triggers.

Eczema sufferers find anxiety and stress to be significant eczema causes which trigger inflammation of the known areas. Others suggest that wearing wool or synthetic fibers can trigger a flare-up of the condition. Sweating can also activate the inflammation, as can bouts of influenza or infections, or simply common colds. Avoidance of known triggers is the obvious first step for eczema sufferers to take.

Any part of the body can be affected by eczema and typically cited areas are the face, neck and scalp, and the arms and legs. Here inflammation frequently occurs in the elbow creases, behind the knees and around the ankles. On the face it is often the forehead or cheeks that are affected. The eye area is particularly vulnerable and scratching and rubbing will cause redness and swelling. Eczema causes loss of eyelashes or eyebrows in severe, prolonged cases.

The rash is usually red, dry and scaly looking, often starting as tiny blisters just beneath the skin surface. These blisters can sometimes weep and the sufferer is made extremely uncomfortable by the intense itching eczema causes. Scratching the area can cause secondary bacterial infection, which will need antibiotic treatment. Sometimes the skin cracks and develops a leathery appearance.

If your child suffers from eczema and you know there is a family history, you will not have much difficulty recognising the symptoms and seeking medical help. Whilst there sadly is no cure as yet, there are many good treatments to soothe the symptoms and encourage skin healing. A good skincare routine needs to be established early and this should include a warm (never hot) bath and liberal application of a good moisturizing lotion.

Later on, other treatments that can be introduced are corticosteroid ointments for topical relief; immunomodulators to work on the immune system; antihistamines; UV light therapy and a host of alternative remedies that are all worth consideration. Often eczema causes sleep disturbance, which triggers other problems, so being comfortable at night, should be a priority for eczema sufferers, to help them cope with the problems of this distressing disorder.

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