
6 Unexpected Triggers of Eczema You Never Knew
In this blog article, we will uncover 6 unexpected triggers of eczema and what you can do to support calmer, healthier skin from the inside out and reduce the risk of skin-related issues.
What is Eczema?
Unexpected Triggers of Eczema
1. Using very hot water to take a bath:
Although you have a sense of utmost cleanliness when your shower is very hot. This might be unknowingly causing damage to your skin. This is because hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, disrupts the barrier, and can cause inflammation.
2. Residue of laundry detergent on your clothes:
Even after rinsing, some detergents can leave behind chemicals that can irritate the skin, especially when this is done repeatedly. Some signs that your clothes might be the trigger are having rashes when the clothes are rubbed together or after you’ve worn the clothes for a while. Also, when you change laundry detergent and notice this skin irritation, it might be coming from the residual detergent.
3. Emotional Stress:
As surprising as this might sound, eczema doesn’t only flare up due to external factors. Excessive production of stress hormones like cortisol can spike up inflammation, weaken your skin barrier, and worsen itching and dryness.
4. Some foods you might not consider allergens:
You might tolerate certain foods without experiencing digestive issues. However, your skin can say otherwise. Some triggers from unexpected foods can also lead to eczema. Some of these foods that can trigger your skin include: citrus fruits, spicy or peppery foods, etc. If flare-ups are seen after a meal, then your food choice might be the hidden culprit. Therefore, a food diary might be helpful in uncovering the hidden ingredient.
5. Hard Water:
This contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can bind to soap and leave residue on your skin. This weakens the protective barrier of the skin and causes itching to occur, which ultimately leads to eczema.
6. Hormonal fluctuation:
This is a common occurrence in women; hence, during peak periods of hormonal changes, such as during PMS, pregnancy, and menopause, it can lead to flare-ups. Particularly, a decline in estrogen levels can affect moisture retention and the strength of the skin barrier, causing itching and dryness.


