subject: Understanding the Triggers and Symptoms of Eczema [print this page] Eczema is a skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The main symptoms are swollen rashes that affect the surface of the skin. Eczema can be either mild or chronic and can affect male and females of all ages. There is no cure for eczema and the complexities of the condition have made it very difficult to identify its exact cause. However, the condition is often related to family allergies. As there is no clear way to identify the causes, the best way to treat eczema is to find the factors that can initiate the symptoms.
Medical research studies into patients with eczema revealed a number of common triggers that initiated symptoms. One of the most common triggers was stress. Although eczema is not actually caused by stress people with eczema have a habit of scratching the skin as a coping reaction to stress. This scratching can exacerbate the conditions of eczema.
Detergents, soaps and perfumes are considered an eczema trigger because they can dry the skin making the affected skin more sensitive and inflamed. Other triggers can include increases in temperature, dust mites, food allergies and certain clothing materials.
If you feel stress is one of your triggers then, you need to avoid situations that are going to make you stressful. There are many ways in which you can deal with stress such as therapy or counselling. Other sufferers find that doing relaxation exercises such as yoga and deep breathing exercises can help them.
If the use of certain soaps or detergents triggers your symptoms use alternatives such as creams and emollients as they have moisturising properties that will keep your skin from drying out.
The most common foods that trigger eczema are nuts, cow's milk, wheat and fish. If you eat any of these food types in your diet try and exclude one only for a few days and see if you notice any difference in your condition. A good idea is to keep a diary and try and record any change in your symptoms after taking certain foods.
Certain fabrics can irritate the skin especially, people with eczema. Fabrics such as wool can irritate the skin because it is a course wiry material that tends to scratch the skin. Wear alternatives with smooth or soft surfaces such as cotton or linen.
There are many others however, it is totally impossible to control every possible trigger. The process will take time to narrow down the main triggers. Once you know what they are you will have control of your eczema rather than the eczema controlling you.
