Surprising Things in Your Home that Contribute to Eczema Flares
Did you know that your lifestyle and everyday things around your home could be contributing to your eczema flares? The exact cause of eczema is not always known, but it is known that some things will make symptoms worse. Ready to tackle and prevent those eczema flares? Look for these hazards in your home.
Extreme heat or cold temperatures
When you become very hot or very cold, the itching and irritation on your skin can increase dramatically. It is best to have artificial cooling in the summer months, as well as some dry heat during cold snaps when the air can get very cool.
Unmaintained air conditioners
If you have an air conditioner whose filter is not changed regularly, standing in front of it can be detrimental to your skin. In fact, exposing your skin to such dry and cold air can, in itself, cause an eczema flare.
How you shower
Most people wait all day long for a hot shower to wash away the stresses of the day. But when you shower for a long period of time, especially in very hot water, it can cause your skin condition to eczema flare. You should take showers only long enough to get clean and in water just warm enough to be comfortable.
Water quality
Water quality plays a huge role in the condition of your skin. If you have poor water quality or very hard water, your skin could become very dry, and any skin condition will be made worse. You can greatly reduce the inflammation in your skin by improving the water that you use in and out of your home.
You may not always have complete control of your water quality, especially if you rent, but there are some things you can do to improve the quality of the water with which you shower and wash your hands and face. If you can, install a home water filter and softener at your water source to improve the quality and reduce flares. If you rent, you can get alternatives for certain appliances, such as a filtering shower head.
Stress
You have probably heard that your stress level can affect your health, but did you know that it can also affect your skin? Excessive stress can make any skin condition worsen. And if you are already having a eczema flare and it becomes even more irritable, it can cause additional frustration.
Ready to get your eczema under control?
We can give you many other tools to treat your eczema and reduce inflammation and symptoms. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.