Eczema Flare Ups – How to Manage, Treat and Prevent Them

In this article, we'll be discussing eczema flare-ups. We'll talk about what a flare-up is, some of the common triggers, and how you can manage, treat, and even find a way to prevent eczema flare ups.

It can be very uncomfortable, and even painful. Although it can affect people of all ages, it is more common in children than adults.

An eczema flare-up is a sudden onset of intense itching, redness, and irritation of the skin. These flare-ups are typically triggered by a variety of external and internal factors that disrupt the skin's delicate balance.

Environmental Irritants

In addition to changes in temperature and humidity, eczema flare-ups can also be triggered by exposure to various environmental irritants. These include:

• Air pollution and cigarette smoke
• Cold weather
• Harsh household chemicals like cleaners, detergents, and soaps
• Certain fabrics like wool or synthetic materials
• Dust, pet dander, and other allergens
• Chlorinated water or swimming pools

Minimizing contact with these environmental triggers by using gentle, fragrance-free products, improving indoor air quality, and choosing soft, breathable clothing can help reduce the risk of eczema flare-ups.

Immune System Response

At the root of eczema flare-ups is an overactive immune system response. When the skin encounters a trigger, it sets off an inflammatory reaction, causing the release of histamine and other chemicals that lead to the characteristic symptoms of eczema.

This immune system dysfunction results in:

• Inflammation: The skin becomes red, swollen, and painful.
• Itching: Histamine release causes intense itching and the urge to scratch.
• Skin Barrier Disruption: The inflammatory response weakens the skin's natural protective barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.

Understanding the underlying immune system mechanisms can help inform more targeted treatment approaches to manage eczema flare-ups and provide relief.

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors

Diet and lifestyle choices can also play a significant role in triggering eczema flare-ups. Certain dietary factors, such as:

• Sensitivity to specific foods like dairy, eggs, or nuts
• Lack of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
• Dehydration and poor gut health

Additionally, lifestyle factors like high stress levels can also contribute to eczema flare-ups by further compromising the immune system.

By identifying and avoiding potential triggers, maintaining a balanced diet rich in skin-nourishing nutrients, and practicing stress management techniques, individuals with eczema can better prevent and manage flare-ups.

Overall, eczema flare-ups are the result of a complex interplay between environmental, immune system, and lifestyle factors. Understanding and addressing these various triggers is crucial for effectively managing this chronic skin condition. 

It's not just the physical discomfort of itchiness that leads to this type of frustration; social stigma can also be a factor. Society views those who suffer from eczema differently than those who don't. Some people may not want to associate with someone who has eczema. They could be embarrassed by the condition or think that it makes them dirty or disgusting. 

Many people avoid spending time around those with eczema for fear of getting infected and spreading germs. This despite that fact that eczema is not contagious. The social isolation and anxiety that often comes with having eczema can be just as difficult to deal with as the physical symptoms.

Flare-ups of eczema can affect your entire body. It is possible that you may have other symptoms such as swelling in the face, stomach, neck and joints. The skin rash that comes with a severe eczema flare-up can also cause pain, redness and a sense of pressure to areas affected by the rash.

These symptoms can make it difficult for people to do simple tasks such as eating or brushing their teeth. If you are experiencing these other symptoms during a flare-up, it is important to receive proper treatment from your doctor.

Most people with eczema will experience flare-ups that appear suddenly and last between two days and three weeks. One of the most important steps one can take in managing and easing the symptoms of an eczema flare up is also one of the most difficult. Simply put, resist the urge to scratch.

One of the best ways to instantly get relief from the intense desire to scratch is to use Dermeleve® anti itch cream. Dermeleve starts working right away, and lasts for hours. Dermeleve contains no corticosteroids like hydrocortisone. This means you are not at risk for some of the very common yet lesser known side effects of long term topical steroid use.

Diet plays an enormous role in skin health, and a well-balanced diet is essential for people who suffer from eczema.

Antioxidants are also important for people with eczema. They help to reduce the inflammation associated with the condition. Foods that are high in antioxidants include berries, leafy greens and dark chocolate.

Stress is one of the most common triggers for eczema flare-us. Because stress can so easily trigger a flare-up, it is important to find ways to manage stress.

Some people find that relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help to reduce stress levels. These, in turn, can prevent eczema flare-ups. Others find that they need to make lifestyle changes such as reducing their work hours in order to manage stress.

Both extreme cold and heat can trigger eczema flare-ups. It is important to dress appropriately for the weather and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures when possible. If you must be outdoors in extreme weather, make sure to dress in loose fitting, breathable clothing. Those clothes must also protect your skin from the elements.

High humidity can also trigger a flare-up, so it is important to avoid exposure to high humidity when possible. If you live in a humid climate, make sure to use a humidifier in your home to maintain an optimal level of humidity.

In the meantime, for instant and long-lasting relief of your itch, give Dermeleve® a try!

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