Eczema flare-ups can be unpredictable and frustrating, but they often have specific triggers behind them. By learning to recognize what causes eczema in your daily life, you can take clear steps to avoid flare-ups and enjoy calmer, healthier skin.
At Peach Dermatology in Suwanee, GA, and nearby areas including Duluth, Sugar Hill, Buford, and Johns Creek, we understand how personal and complex eczema care can be. Our board-certified dermatologists help patients of all ages identify eczema triggers and build treatment plans that truly work. If you're ready to get to the root of your eczema and feel more confident in your skin, our team is here to guide you.
Below, we break down five of the most common eczema triggers and practical ways you can reduce flare-ups and protect your skin.
1. Weather and Environmental Changes
Shifts in temperature, humidity, and air quality can quickly trigger an eczema flare-up. Cold, dry air can strip your skin of its natural protective oils, leaving it cracked and itchy. Meanwhile, hot, humid weather can lead to sweating and friction, which often irritate eczema-prone skin even more.
How to help protect your skin:
- Use a humidifier indoors during the colder months to maintain skin moisture.
- Wear breathable, layered clothing to avoid overheating and sweating.
- Apply a rich moisturizer immediately after bathing to help lock in hydration.
- Limit long exposure to wind and avoid sitting close to strong indoor heating sources.
Although you can’t control the weather, you can adjust your skincare habits each season to keep your skin barrier strong and reduce flare-ups.
2. Irritants and Allergens
Many everyday products and materials can act as eczema triggers, causing your skin to become inflamed and itchy. Common culprits include certain soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents, and cleaning products. Even fabrics like wool or synthetic blends can rub against your skin and worsen symptoms.
Common irritants and allergens to watch for:
- Fragranced skin care products, cosmetics, and body sprays
- Harsh soaps, bubble baths, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Household allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold
Steps you can take:
- Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products whenever possible.
- Wear soft, breathable cotton fabrics and avoid tight or scratchy materials.
- Always wash new clothing before wearing it to remove potential irritants.
- Consider patch testing to help identify specific allergens that might be triggering your eczema.
At Peach Dermatology, our team can work with you to uncover your unique eczema triggers and develop a personalized plan to help you avoid them.
3. Stress and Emotional Health
Stress is one of the most underestimated eczema triggers. When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones that can weaken your immune system and disrupt the skin barrier, making it easier for flare-ups to occur, even if you’re avoiding external irritants.
Signs stress might be affecting your eczema:
- Flare-ups that happen during busy, emotional, or transitional periods.
- Itching that worsens at night or during moments of high anxiety.
- Breakouts or patches appearing without an obvious external trigger.
How to support your skin through stress:
- Make quality sleep and rest a daily priority.
- Try mindfulness practices like deep breathing, gentle stretching, or journaling.
- Consider talking to a mental health professional if stress feels difficult to manage on your own.
At Peach Dermatology, we know that caring for your skin also means caring for your emotional well-being. We encourage a whole-person approach to help reduce flare-ups and support long-term skin health.
4. Poor Hydration and Diet
Your skin reflects what’s happening inside your body. When you're not drinking enough water, lacking key nutrients, or eating foods that trigger inflammation, your skin barrier can weaken, making you more prone to an eczema flare-up.
Tips to support your skin from the inside out:
- Drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Limit too much caffeine or alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
- Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and walnuts), antioxidants (found in berries and leafy greens), and other whole, unprocessed foods.
- Pay attention to potential food triggers. Some people find that dairy, soy, or gluten can contribute to flare-ups.
While food and hydration are not the main cause of eczema for everyone, many patients see improvements in their skin when they make dietary adjustments. At Peach Dermatology, we can help guide you through these changes in coordination with your overall treatment plan.
5. Lifestyle Habits That Irritate Skin
Your daily habits, from how you shower to what you wear, play a big role in managing eczema. Without realizing it, certain routines can damage your skin barrier and trigger more flare-ups.
Common habits that may worsen eczema:
- Taking long, hot showers or baths strips the skin of its natural oils.
- Overwashing or using abrasive sponges and loofahs which irritate sensitive skin.
- Wearing tight, rough, or synthetic fabrics that trap sweat and cause friction.
- Skipping daily moisturizing, which leaves skin vulnerable to dryness and cracks.
Simple ways to protect your skin every day:
- Use lukewarm water and limit showers or baths to 10 minutes or less.
- Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
- Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer or ointment right after bathing to seal in moisture.
- Choose soft, loose, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle to support healthier skin. Small, consistent adjustments can greatly reduce irritation and help prevent eczema flare-ups over time.
Why Choose Peach Dermatology for Eczema Care
Managing eczema isn’t just about calming flare-ups. It’s about understanding your skin deeply and building a plan that truly works for you. At Peach Dermatology in Suwanee, our board-certified dermatologists provide thoughtful, evidence-based care that considers your age, skin type, lifestyle, and unique eczema triggers.
Here’s how we support our patients with eczema:
- Precise Diagnosis: We carefully evaluate your skin to confirm if you have eczema or another similar condition. A correct diagnosis is the foundation for successful treatment.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We create custom plans that may include prescription creams, non-steroidal options, patch testing, and guidance on daily habits to reduce flare-ups.
- Ongoing Support: We offer consistent follow-up care, help adjust treatments when needed, and provide strategies to keep your skin healthier over time.
- Patient Education: We help you understand what causes your eczema, identify your personal triggers, and give you practical, clear steps to protect your skin long term.
Whether you’ve just started dealing with eczema or have struggled with it for years, our team is here to help your skin feel better and help you feel more confident in it.
Give Your Skin the Expert Support It Needs
Knowing your eczema triggers is an important first step to preventing flare-ups and keeping your skin healthier and more comfortable. With expert guidance and a customized plan, you can feel more in control of your skin.
If you're ready for professional support and a clear plan for eczema treatment in Suwanee, call Peach Dermatology at 770-676-2200 or request an appointment online. We’re here to help you calm the itch and love the skin you’re in.
