Eczema is a very common form of skin inflammation, causing the sufferer to experience mild to serious itching. Eczema comes in different forms; some types of eczema are genetic, some caused by a virus and others manifest themselves as allergic reactions but usually it is a combination of several types. As a former eczema sufferer I have experienced how uncomfortable one can feel when the itchiness settles and how difficult it can be to resist the urge to scratch, as scratching makes the condition worse. It can also be very distressing for parents to witness their babies scratching themselves sometimes until bleeding and not being able to help. This is why I have compiled this list of 6 things eczema sufferers should avoid.
Dust.
Dust is the enemy of all eczema and asthma sufferers. Ideally, if you are or live with an asthma sufferer, it is a good idea to remove all carpets and replace them by hard floors. Try and keep your home as dust-free and aired as possible and if you have to have carpets, vacuum clean them daily.
These really depend on the eczema sufferer. Some common foods have been identified as triggering allergies, including eczema; among these are milk and dairy products like cheese or yoghurts, nuts, tomatoes, wheat, soy, yeast and corn. Of course it would be unreasonable to remove all these foods from an eczema sufferer but doing allergy tests on some of these foods may be a good idea for a person suffering from a serious form of eczema.
Stress and lack of sleep.
Of course, suffering from eczema can cause further stress and lack of sleep, especially if the worst of the itchiness happens at night, but living a lifestyle as free from stress as possible may help a person suffering from eczema.
Temperature and humidity.
Usually when it’s very warm and humid, eczema is at its worst. Parents who take a baby into their own bed to comfort him or her are not doing their baby any favours, as the temperature and humidity inside the bed will be higher and will increase the risk of itchiness. It is best to have a mild temperature and a relatively dry environment; a dehumidifier may help if your home suffers from dampness.
Animal dander.
Contrarily to what is commonly thought it is not the hair of an animal that can trigger allergies and worsen eczema, but the dead skin flakes that are shed by animals. If you have animals in your home, try and keep them out of the rooms most used by the eczema sufferer and vacuum clean a room after the passage of animals if possible. If you notice that your eczema gets worse in the presence of animals, try and keep them outside.
Skin dryness.
Doctors advise eczema sufferers to keep their skin well moisturised. Soaps can remove natural oils contained in the skin so it is best to use cleansers containing no soap (these can be found in any pharmacy) and use a good quality moisturiser at least twice a day, especially after a shower or bath.
In order to get the disease under control, it is necessary to understand what causes it. There are no known cures for atopic eczema, so it is important to learn how to keep it under control for a better quality of life.
