Allergies

A big part of life with Eczema is learning how to avoid, manage, and sometimes live with the allergens that can flare up your eczema. This article talks through some of the common allergens that you might come across and how you might want to consider handling them.

Common allergens

1. Dust mites

Dust mites can have a significant impact on eczema symptoms. They are a common allergen, and exposure to dust mite allergens can cause eczema flare-ups or make existing symptoms worse. Dust mites are microscopic insects that thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on dead skin cells. They are commonly found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets, and they can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. If you have eczema, you may want to consider trying to reduce your exposure to dust mites, such as removing carpets or mats from your living space, washing bedding in hot water, and vacuuming and dusting regularly.

2. Perfumes and other scents

Fragrances and perfumes can be a common irritant or allergen for people with eczema. These substances can cause skin irritation, itching, and redness. People with eczema have a skin barrier that is already compromised, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens.

It is important to be mindful of the products you use, including perfumes and fragranced products. Look for products that are fragrance-free or hypoallergenic when making your purchases, for example in shampoos and soaps. When trying a new product, you should consider doing a “patch test” where you use a small bit on a specific patch of your skin first, to see if you have an adverse reaction.

3. Laundry detergent

If you suffer from eczema, you should always be on the lookout for any potentially harsh chemicals or fragrances in products that you use on or near your body. This also applies to the laundry detergents and fabric softeners you use as some of the product is likely to remain on the clothes after they come out of the wash. Here are some ways you can help reduce the likelihood of a flare-up caused by your detergent:

• Look for “hypoallergenic” detergents - these are specifically designed for people with sensitive skin and allergies, and are free from fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals
• Stay away from fragrances and scented detergents or fabric softeners, as these fragrances can be a common irritant for people with eczema
• Consider using baby detergent - these detergents are formulated to be gentle on baby’s delicate skin and might be a good alternative if you have particularly sensitive skin
• Check if you’re using “Bio” (biological) or “Non-Bio” (non-biological) detergent. Bio detergents use enzymes that break down proteins, starches and fats, and are effective at removing tough stains like blood, grass and food. Unfortunately, they are also more likely to trigger a reaction from your eczema; instead, you can try a Non-Bio product. These rely on other ingredients such as surfactants and bleaches to clean clothes and remove stains instead, and are considered gentler on the skin and are suitable for people with sensitive skin, allergies, and eczema.

4. Foods

The link between certain foods and eczema flare-ups is still very much ongoing, so there are no definitive answers here. However, some people have reported improvements in their skin by cutting out or reducing their intake of some of the below:

• Dairy products: Some people with eczema may be intolerant to lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, or to the proteins (casein and whey).
• Gluten: Some research has suggested that a gluten-free diet may improve eczema symptoms in some people.
• Nightshade vegetables: Some people with eczema may find that their symptoms worsen after eating nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
• Processed foods: Processed foods are high in additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients which may cause eczema flare-ups.
• Omega-6 fatty acids: High intake of foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids, such as corn oil, sunflower oil and soy oil, can be pro-inflammatory and may worsen eczema symptoms.

Dietary triggers can vary greatly from person to person and not all people with eczema will have food triggers. A registered dietitian or a dermatologist can help you identify potential dietary triggers for your personal case, and will be able to help you to develop a personalised plan.

What you can do

Even if you’ve cut out the above from your day-to-day life and have your environment well controlled, there will often be times that you don’t have control over everything you’re exposed to, for example at work or when visiting friends and family. If that happens, there are other steps you can take. These might include:

• washing your hands frequently
• changing your clothes more often (e.g. when returning from a dusty environment)
• reducing your exertion so as not to sweat too much
• reapplying moisturiser and other treatments more frequently
• taking antihistamines to reduce your allergy reactions

Any other suggestions?

Let us know in the comments below!