Atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) causes dry, itchy skin, often with rough, scaly patches. It can develop at any age, even if you’ve never had it before.
Atopic dermatitis occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens, leading to inflammation, itching, and irritation.
Identifying and avoiding allergens linked to atopic dermatitis can help you manage your eczema and reduce flare-ups.
Allergens don’t cause atopic dermatitis itself, but they may trigger symptom flare-ups. Common triggers include environmental allergens, foods, and skin irritants.
Environmental and Airborne Allergens
These are substances that are in your surroundings or carried through the air. Common environmental or airborne allergens linked with atopic dermatitis include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Dust mites (microscopic pests that thrive on skin cells within dust)
- Mold spores (microscopic units of mold that spread through the air)
- Pet dander
- Pollen
These allergens can trigger an immune system reaction, leading to airway or skin inflammation. They can also weaken the skin barrier, making your skin dry, itchy, and more prone to flare-ups.
You may experience sneezing, congestion, or breathing problems if you also have respiratory allergies.
Food Allergens
Food allergies can trigger eczema, but not everyone with eczema has food allergies. Common food allergy triggers include:
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
Irritants That Weaken the Skin Barrier
Beyond allergens, many everyday products and environmental factors weaken the skin barrier, irritate sensitive skin, and cause flares. Common examples include:
- Extreme temperatures
- Fragrances
- Harsh soaps or detergents
- Sweat
- Synthetic fabrics or wool
Making some changes to your home and daily routine may help minimize allergens and improve your symptoms. Here are steps you can take to help reduce the impact of different triggers:
| Allergen | How to avoid |
|---|---|
| Dust mites | – Consider a HEPA filter to reduce dust buildup – Use allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers – Vacuum and dust regularly – Wash bedding weekly in hot water |
| Pollen | – Keep windows closed during high-pollen seasons – During peak pollen seasons, limit outdoor exposure – Wear protective clothing and a mask outdoors – Shower and change clothes after being outdoors – Use air purifiers and HEPA filters |
| Pet dander | – Clean pet bedding frequently – Keep pets out of bedrooms and off furniture – Use HEPA filters to reduce airborne pet allergens – Wash hands after touching pets |
| Food allergens | – Keep a food diary to track flare-ups and potential allergens – Get allergy testing done to help you identify food allergens – Work with a healthcare provider to identify food triggers before eliminating foods – Take steps to prevent cross-contamination – Read ingredient labels carefully |
| Skin irritants | – Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skin care, soap, and detergents – Use natural cleaning products like vinegar – Wear a mask and gloves when using cleaning products – Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton instead of synthetics |
Managing atopic dermatitis at home involves daily skin care, dietary considerations, and environmental adjustments. These strategies can help reduce flare-ups, strengthen the skin barrier, and minimize irritation.
Bathing
Try taking lukewarm baths for 5–10 minutes using gentle cleansers. These can wash away allergens without stripping your skin’s natural oils. For extra skin soothing, you can add colloidal oatmeal to your bath.
It may also help to soak for 5-10 minutes in a tub of water with half a cup of bleach added. A diluted bleach bath can help reduce bacteria that may sit on your skin and further irritate it. You can do this 2-3 times per week.
Moisturizing
Hydrating your skin can help strengthen its natural barrier. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer twice a day. When you get out of the bath, apply your moisturizer within three minutes to seal in moisture.
Ointments often work better than other moisturizers, but they can be greasy. Some people save ointments for severe flare-ups rather than daily care. You can talk to your healthcare provider about the best eczema lotions and creams for you.
You can also make your own moisturizers with ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or sunflower oil.
For extra hydration and healing, your provider may recommend wet wrap therapy. This treatment involves covering moisturized skin with damp gauze, then covering that with dry clothing. You can leave the wrap on for at least two hours or overnight.
Diet and Supplements
Adding certain foods and supplements to your diet may benefit your skin health.
Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and manuka honey may be beneficial. Try incorporating probiotic-rich foods, which help balance good and bad bacteria that may affect eczema severity. Vitamin D supplements for eczema may also help.
If you take any supplements, check with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re safe and effective.
Stress Management
If stress triggers flare-ups, try a hobby that relaxes you. Regular practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga may help decrease stress. A consistent sleep routine may help you manage stress and improve your skin health.
It’s important to see your primary healthcare provider, an allergist, or a dermatologist if you experience:
- Painful, cracked skin that does not heal with moisturizers
- Severe symptoms that disrupt sleep or daily activities
- Signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever)
- Sudden flare-ups after exposure to new allergens or irritants
- Symptoms that worsen after eating specific foods
- Worsening or persistent symptoms despite home treatments
Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) steroid creams for treating ongoing eczema. They may also discuss antihistamines for allergies, prescription creams, immunosuppressants, or phototherapy.
Common allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, certain foods, and harsh skincare products, can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms.
Managing atopic dermatitis involves identifying allergens, following a gentle skincare routine, and making lifestyle adjustments.
Talk to a healthcare provider if flare-ups continue or get worse.
