Living with the burden of eczema can be challenging, especially when flare-ups occur unexpectedly. Caring for children or seniors with eczema can also be frustrating due to the unpredictable nature of the disease. Identifying and managing eczema triggers is crucial for minimizing symptoms and maintaining healthy skin. In this blog, we’ll explore common eczema triggers and provide practical tips on how to avoid them, helping you take control of your skin’s health and improve your overall quality of life. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing eczema for years, HMGS Dermatology, your trusted skin care provider, with three convenient locations in Camden, Marlton, and Hammonton, New Jersey, is here to help you understand these triggers and make a significant difference in your daily comfort and well-being.
What is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, itchy, scaly, and red patches of skin. In infancy it often appear on the cheeks and outer extremities. By early childhood the creases of the arms and legs (especially behind the knees and elbows) are most often impacted. By adolescence and adulthood face, neck, and hand flares can occur. At all ages of presentation, eczema can be triggered by various environmental and genetic factors. Eczema often cycles through periods of flare-ups and remission, requiring ongoing management to control symptoms. Discovering the triggers of eczema can be a stepping stone towards managing this skin condition efficiently.
Who Can Help You?
HMGS Dermatology specializes in eczema. For our pediatric patients, you will be comforted to know we have 5 Board Certified Pediatric Dermatologists in our practice. For our adult and senior patients, you will be coming to a practice that has been at the forefront of eczema therapy for 4 decades. Our physicians teach other doctors at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University about atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment. HMGS Dermatology carries a line of Vanicream and CeraVe products for your convenience and comfort.
Key Environmental Triggers of Eczema
When it comes to eczema triggers, most of them stem from the environment around us. Knowing the most common environmental triggers can help you identify and manage your exposure to them, leading to healthier skin.
Airborne Allergens
Airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander are common environmental triggers for eczema. These substances can cause flare-ups and make existing conditions more severe. Keeping your house clean and using allergen-reducing bedding could lessen flares.
Climate
Climate, particularly dry and cold weather is the most common exacerbating factor. HMGS Dermatology notices an uptick in eczema visits if the cool months. Severely hot weather and excessive perspiration also can result in eczema exacerbation. People living in Camden, Marlton, and Hammonton should pay extra attention during the dry, and cool New Jersey fall and winter seasons. Using effective moisturizers and limiting further insults (overly hot showers, drying soaps) can help to reduce symptoms.
Stress
Stress plays a significant role in flaring eczema. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and employing stress-busting activities such as leaving ample time for rest and sleep, reading, exercise, yoga or meditation could be the first step in lessening symptoms.
Foods
Approximately 30% of patients with atopic dermatitis have true for food allergies. Dietary exacerbations of eczema can also occur in the absence of allergies. Often the flare is not appreciated for hours to days after ingestion, making the attribution sometimes difficult to appreciate.A wide variety of foods can cause eczema flare-ups. Tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, eggs, citrus fruits, spices, and nickel-containing foods are sometimes the culprits. HMGS Dermatologists will sometimes work with our Allergist/Immunologist colleagues to determine whether additional testing or food diaries are needed.
Managing Environmental Eczema Triggers
Managing environmental eczema triggers involves several proactive steps to minimize flare-ups. Keep your living space clean and free of common allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold, which can compound eczema symptoms. Additionally, using fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products, maintaining a comfortable humidity level, and avoiding extreme temperatures can help reduce environmental irritants and protect your skin. The ideal approach to managing eczema includes identifying triggers, avoiding them as much as possible, and seeking appropriate treatment. Your HMGS Dermatology specialist will design a personalized treatment plan to provide the relief that your serve from eczema.
Establishing an Eczema Treatment Plan with HMGS Dermatology
At HMGS Dermatology, we treat the symptoms and target the underlying causes of eczema. Our Providers utilize all the latest pharmacological and in-office therapies to help treat your disease. The entire therapeutic armamentarium is used at HMGS Dermatology. Let us tailor your personalized treatment with choices between Dupixent, Rinvoq, Adbry, Cibinqo, Phototherapy, XTRAC laser, Opzelura cream, Eucrisa ointment, topical immunomodulators, topical corticosteroids, and emollients. Our experienced dermatologists will help you understand the triggers and develop a comprehensive eczema action plan.
Schedule a Consultation
The journey to healthier skin is closer than you may think. If you are affected by itchy, raw, oozing, and red skin that eczema/atopic dermatitis causes, take that step forward toward relief today. Book an appointment on our website or call our office to schedule with an exceptional HMGS Dermatology Provider and start your road towards healthier, happier skin.
