Eczema is a type of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. Practically any area of the skin can be affected by this disorder. It is quite common and can affect people of any age and sex. It can affect small infants to the elderly folks. It is classified as an allergic skin disorder and there could be a hoard of reasons to aggravate the irritation. Below is a list of causes of eczema, as well as some recommendations to prevent flare-ups.

Causes of Eczema

• Genetic causes
• Familial predisposition to allergic disorders
• Immunological disorders

In addition to the above causes of eczema, there could be various factors that could aggravate your eczema; if you already are suffering from it.

Factors That Aggravate Eczema

• Food and diet- Innumerable factors of your diet could trigger off an eczema episode depending upon what you are allergic to. Some of the foods that are known to trigger aggravations are seafood, eggs, chocolate, peanuts, yogurt, tomatoes, aubergines, wheat, cow’s milk, strawberries etc
• Exposure to external irritants like wool, synthetic fiber like polyester or even silk
• Bites of insects or bugs
• Metal watches and bracelets, rings, plastic leather etc
• Cosmetics and toiletries
• Household cleaning lotions used for dishwashing, cleaning clothes or the floor
• Exposure to strong light, especially in people who are photosensitive
• Systemic diseases like diabetes, liver disorders etc
• Emotional causes like stress, depression, anxiety and worry

Treatment of Eczema

The treatment of eczema does not have a specific protocol. It usually involves symptomatic treatment for the flare ups as and when they appear. But other than the treatment, it is quite important to focus on the prevention of aggravation of the eczema and hence avoid all the different factors and conditions that may worsen the symptoms.

Helpful Measures to Avoid Aggravation

• Avoid clothes made of synthetic fabric and avoid direct contact with blankets or sweaters made of wool
• Keep the moisture level in the house at comfortable levels by using a humidifier
• Ensure cleanliness and hygiene of the house by changing the bed clothes, pillow covers etc regularly.
• Dust the rugs and carpets regularly and try to avoid doing it manually. Better to use a vacuum cleaner that sucks up all the dust without allowing it to flare up in the air
• Use only mild detergents and soaps that contain glycerin.
• Avoid foods that cause a flare up
• Use a moisturizer that is devoid of mineral oils to avoid dryness. Mineral oils in your moisturizer can aggravate the eczema

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