Spring is just around the corner! If you’re like most people, you’re looking forward to wearing shorter sleeves in the warmer weather. But if you suffer from eczema, this may seem like a far-off achievement. An eczema flare-up can cause dry, rough patches of skin that can be difficult to clear up let alone cover up. However, knowledge is power. The first step towards clearing up eczema is understanding how lifestyle choices can impact this skin disorder and what changes and treatments can help give the best possible improvement.
At Nashville Skin, we know that eczema can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing. Not only can eczema have a huge effect on our work and personal lives but tracking down the triggers for flare-ups can be daunting. Trust your skin to experts who are committed to providing you with the latest information and cutting-edge treatments proven to help reduce the unsightly effects of eczema.
What is Eczema?
While the exact causes of most cases of eczema are unknown, many researchers believe that genetics and external triggers are involved. Not only will a trigger lead to the skin condition, but they will also cause some or all of the following symptoms:
- Rashes
- Dryness
- Flakiness
- Bumps
- Fissures or cracking skin
- Peeling
- Redness
To keep these symptoms under control, it’s essential to stay healthy and understand your body’s eczema triggers to try to keep them to a minimum. Unfortunately, eczema triggers can vary from patient to patient, so understanding what exactly causes your flare-ups will go a long way to avoiding them.
Here are some factors you may encounter every day, not knowing they can cause a flare-up of your symptoms:
Dryness
Dry skin can become scaly, rough or tight, which often leads to a flare-up of eczema. Maintaining a daily skincare regimen with moisturizing creams or soaps for sensitive skin will help protect the skin.
Irritants
While irritant is a broad category, it includes everyday products or substances that can cause the skin to burn or itch and become red and dry. Irritants can vary greatly from cleaning products to cigarette smoking, both of which can cause eczema symptoms to worsen.
Some of the most common irritants include:
- Soaps and household cleansers
- Fragrances
- Cigarettes
- Certain Fabrics
Lifestyle changes, wearing natural fabrics and working with mild household chemicals will help to lower our patient’s risk of an eczema flare.
Diet
Many people with eczema also have food allergies. Some of the common food allergies associated with eczema include:
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Soy
- Gluten
- Nuts
- Fish & shellfish
Since eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, maintaining a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, like blueberries or cherries, as well as avoiding potential allergens will help patients circumvent a worsening of symptoms.
While there isn’t a cure for eczema, patients can be empowered with lifestyle choices and access to the most effective treatments, including phototherapy, steroids, and antibiotics. Working with experts in eczema triggers will help keep your skin clear and provide you with peace of mind. Learn more about potential itchy skin triggers at WebMD.com.
Effective Eczema Treatment in Nashville
To identify your eczema triggers and develop a successful treatment plan, contact us today at one of our convenient Nashville locations (Green Hills/21st avenue S area, Southern Hills Medical Center, Centennial Medical Center), our Clarksville office or Nolensville/Brentwood to schedule a consultation.
The post How You May Be Worsening Your Eczema appeared first on Nashville Skin.
