When you have Eczema it's important to know what to avoid so you don't risk causing skin irritation or a flare-up.
One of the most assured ways of controlling your eczema flare up is avoiding the condition’s myriad of potential irritants.
Here is a more in-depth look at the things to stay away from if you don’t want to worsen the itchiness or additional symptoms of eczema.
Food & Diet
There are numerous foods that irritate eczema (atopic dermatitis). They do so by prompting your body to release elements that cause inflammation such as T cells and immunoglobulin-E (IgE).
For this reason, closely watch your diet and avoid any food items that aggravate your Eczema and the burning sensation.
Wheat (gluten) and milk top the list of the culprit foods. They are joined in the list of shame by favorites like citrus fruits, eggs, and even tomatoes.
Others include:
Spices: They certainly make our diets rich in flavor but spices might worsen your Eczema. Try and steer clear of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.
Nickel-rich foods: Nickel compounds vesicular rashes and is routinely present in foods such as chocolate, cocoa, soya beans, nuts, oatmeal, fresh/dried legumes as well as almonds. High nickel content is also common in canned meats and shellfish.
Skin Care Products
A surprisingly large number of skin products are also guilty of triggering Eczema symptoms. These cosmetics further antagonize your skin and using them could make your existence a mini hell. Of course, you don’t have to give up on makeup but you’re well off without certain beauty products.
Here are the notorious irritants among your beautifying accessories that you may want to avoid if you have Eczema:
Care items and beautifiers that dry out your skin: These have chemicals that are quickly assimilated by your skin and often trigger rapid water evaporation. It’s best to avoid using products that list Glycolic and salicylic acid among the ingredients if your skin is prone to negatively react to them. Lactic and citric acid, in addition to cosmetics with retinol, have a similar effect.
Selected skin preservatives: Even as they battle to shield your skin from deterioration and bacterial infections, some renowned preservatives may intensify the soreness. That being so, shun any item with Methylparaben or Butylparaben.
Perfumes and Fragrances: They make a product smell magical but some of the ingredients that give scent to our cosmetics add fuel to the painful eczema fire. Their chemical composition is to blame, making fragrance-free alternatives a safer bet.
Sunburn: Avoid the risk of sunburn and instead go for sunscreens suitable for your skin type.
Clothing Materials
You also have to be selective when it comes to your wardrobe, as some fabrics escalate the itching or redness.
Overall, all rough, itchy, or extremely tight fabrics are a no-go zone.
Similarly, refrain from materials that are too warm as they increase the chance of your sensitive skin sweating more, possibly triggering your eczema.
The culpable textiles are:
Wool: This is naturally itchy and may cause your itch-scratch cycle to get worse.
Man-made/synthetic fabrics: These inflame your skin and the list can be long including modacrylic, rayon, spandex, acrylic, polyester, and nylon.
At the same time, wash all your new clothes – even those made of the preferred cotton – prior to wearing due to the presence of irritating chemicals like Formaldehyde.
Other Potential Allergens
If you’re allergic, contact with allergens might cause your eczema symptoms to take a turn for the worse and it’s wise to avoid them. Again, we have a whole crowd of potential allergens here including dust mites, your furry family members, pollens, molds, and even cockroaches.
Solvents, Soaps & Harsh Detergents
Be extra careful if your work involves using solvents, soaps, and detergents.
All these substances may react with your skin and include fabric softeners, acids/alkalis, hair dyes, cement, weed killers, and shampoo products.
Hot and/or Humid Surroundings
As mentioned earlier, excess sweating (because of overheating) and high humidity irritates the skin. Low humidity may lead to skin dryness and subsequently skin irritation due to increased water loss.
Needless to say, ensure you spend your time in environments with comfy temperature and humidity and dress appropriately to keep your skin happy.
Take Care of Your Skin
It’s vital that you take measures to avoid worsening your eczema symptoms. This involves shunning some foods, skin care products, and clothing items.
Moreover, avoid uncomfortable surroundings (check humidity and temperature), common allergens, and all irritating substances.
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