Causes of Eczema

When confronted with a chronic condition, many people start to wonder “Why me? Did I do something to deserve this? Could I have prevented it?”. Well, that’s what this article will dig into a little bit. While it might not give you the answers you’re looking for, hopefully it will help to shed a little light on the matter.

1. Genetics

First and foremost, many chronic conditions come down in one form or another to genetics. It may be that there’s a history of heart conditions in your family. Or maybe your family is particularly fair-skinned and you’re more susceptible to being sunburned. It doesn’t make it any easier to deal with, but in the case of Eczema, scientists have certainly found evidence to say that the condition is possibly hereditary. That is, if you have a family member that suffers from Eczema, you’re more likely to suffer from it too. The same goes for other “atopic conditions” like Asthma and Hay Fever. Which brings us to point number 2.

2. You suffer from similar conditions

It’s been found that eczema is more common among individuals who have a history of allergies, and that certain variations in your genes may increase the risk of both eczema and allergies. There is a group of related conditions here called “Atopic” conditions: Asthma, Eczema, and Hay Fever. If you (or anyone in your family) have a history of any of these, then you are more like to suffer from the others too. If you suffer from allergies, learn more about the most common allergens and what you can do here..

3. Environment

Air quality, humidity, and temperature all play a big role in the condition and health of your skin. For many people with healthy skin, they will find themselves with dry, chapped lips on a particularly dry day or if there is a strong drying breeze. If you have Eczema, you’re likely to feel those effects much sooner.

One thing that might surprise you is the impact of Air Conditioning; did you know that A/C also dries the air as it cools? It also follows that this might flare up your eczema - similarly if you’re working in a particularly damp or humid environment, your skin is likely to react poorly.

4. Diet

If you’re eating something that your body can’t process correctly, then of course your body is going to have a reaction. It may not be immediate; in fact, don’t be surprised if it takes some careful investigation to discover it. While some people have had success cutting dairy out of their diet, there is a long list of foods that might be the culprit. You can work with a doctor or dietician to determine the safest route for determining the culprit if there is one. Some of the more common foods that trigger eczema flare=up are:

• Dairy
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Soy
• Wheat

It’s also important to note that more generally, poor diet and nutrient deficiencies may contribute to eczema development. A balanced diet with adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is important. Always consult a dietician or other qualified medical practitioner when changing your diet.

5. Stress

Yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s one for a reason. Stress can do strange things to your body, and a condition of inflammation like eczema is prime real estate for being exacerbated or triggered by stress. Stress can cause changes in the skin’s barrier function, which can make it more susceptible to irritation and infection, and may also make you more likely to itch or scratch, compounding the problem.

Managing stress is an important part of managing eczema. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga or exercise can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. It’s also important to recognise the role that your condition plays in your own stress levels; correctly managing your Eczema can go a long way in itself to improving your stress levels and overall sense of well-being. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other mental health supports can help provide you with additional tools to help you manage your stress as it relates to your Eczema.

Anything we’ve missed?

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