Internal Triggers For Eczema

A mild case of eczema, image used with permission from Wikipedia

Did you know that dermatologists and medical scientists still do not know the exact causes of eczema?  Because it runs in families, eczema is strongly thought to have a genetic component, but no specific gene has been identified.

Internal triggers are reactions that happen inside of your body, causing imbalances in your immune system, resulting in the various skin problems you are familiar with — cracking, blistering, flaking, dry itchiness, swelling and redness.

• Food allergies are perhaps the most common internal trigger.
• Processed foods have more chemicals in them,
  so moving to fresh foods is often very helpful.
• Foods that cause acids in your body to build up will trigger eczema –
  reduce or avoid red meats, white flour, dairy, processed sugars, and soft drinks.
• Stress is a major internal trigger — cortisol is released into your entire body and your skin breakouts can get worse within hours of a particularly stressful event.

External Triggers For Eczema

Closeup view of eczema that has been scratched – image from Wikipedia used with permission

Dermatologists are reporting a dramatic rise in external triggers.  Some speculate that the general increase of chemicals and toxins in the environment cause these reactions in people who have the genetic vulnerability to eczema, and others say that a sensitive and slightly compromised immune system is all that’s required.

• Contact irritations and allergic reactions – some estimate as much as 75% of new outbreaks in adults are caused by regular contact with latex, rubber, strong detergents, wet cement, poison ivy and many other plants, nickel, treated leather in sandals and gloves, perfumes, bleaches, cosmetics, household cleaning products and many other objects you come into contact with.  Totally avoiding any contact with these triggering substances often eliminates the eczema.
• Environmental triggers — the modern world has introduced many environmental chemicals, causing allergies, skin inflammations, and eczema.  A new building might assault your immune system with a toxic brew of chemicals that linger for years. Spending too much time in the household cleaner isle of your supermarket can be a powerful environmental trigger for you, and cities that have smoggy dirty air also have measurably higher levels of skin disorders.