IRRITANTS: Some things can make eczema worse. They are called irritants. Over time, you’ll learn which things cause problems for your child. Common irritants are:
Fragrances & dyes |
Bubble-bath & certain shampoos |
Wool or other coarse fabrics |
Fragrances & dyes |
Contact with juice from acidic fruits, raw meats, onion and garlic
Wash new clothes before putting them on your child
Use dye-free and fragrance-free detergents and avoid using dryer sheets
Use sunscreens made for sensitive skin
ALLERGENS: For some people, their skin gets itchy and inflamed when they’re in contact with certain things, causing an allergic reaction. Here are some common allergens:
House dust mites |
Pets |
Pollen (seasonal) |
Molds |
To reduce house dust mites:
• Vacuum and wet-dust the bedroom floor and furniture frequently
• Keep soft toys to a minimum
ENVIRONMENT: Extremes of temperature and humidity may trigger a flare-up of eczema symptoms. Environmental triggers include:
Hot or cold temperature |
High or low humidity |
Cigarette smoke |
Pollution |
Avoid letting your child get too hot or too cold
Maintain an even temperature and humidity in your home
FOOD: Less than 1 in 10 children with atopic eczema have a food allergy which can make symptoms worse. In general, it is young children with severe eczema who may have a food allergy. The most common foods which trigger eczema include:
Dairy products |
Eggs |
Nuts and seeds |
Wheat |
If you suspect a food is making eczema symptoms worse, see your child’s doctor. You may be asked to keep a diary to help identify one or more suspect foods.
STRESS: Stress doesn’t cause eczema, but stress, anger and frustration can make symptoms worse. If your child is having problems at daycare or school, you may notice the eczema getting worse. Stress can also cause habit scratching. It is thought that scratching can make itch worse, which makes you want to scratch more, etc. This is called the itch-scratch cycle and can make eczema worse.
• Keep your child’s fingernails short. Consider cotton gloves or mittens at night if your child tends to scratch in his/her sleep