Certain habits like constant itching, hot baths, and consuming eczema-triggering foods may worsen skin diseases like eczema. These triggers may vary from individual to individual and case to case. Additionally, wearing synthetic fibers, using deodorants with artificial fragrances, and lack of proper personal hygiene may also worsen eczema and related skin diseases. Read ahead to find out the common types and habits to work on for improvement in eczema symptoms.

What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dryness, itching, rashes, scaly areas, blisters, and skin infections. It is not contagious and may have several causes. Both hereditary and environmental factors are most likely to be responsible. Though there is no certain cure for a skin disease like eczema, an improved lifestyle may help alleviate symptoms over time.

Common types of eczema
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common type of eczema, causes itchy, recurrent rashes, usually appearing by age five, and symptoms are overly dry skin to itchy rashes.

Contact dermatitis
Touch or contact dermatitis is an itchy, allergic rash caused by direct contact with a skin-irritating chemical. Cosmetics, artificial fragrances, and jewelry might cause this reaction.

Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema causes a fast rash of small, painful blisters on your palms, fingers, feet, or toes.

Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis causes itching rashes. Scratching makes the skin thick and leathery. Though not life-threatening, the itching can disrupt sleep.

Seborrheic eczema
Seborrheic eczema is a common, curable, and noncontagious skin condition causing itchy red patches, oily scales, and white or yellow dry/powdery scalp flakes.

Stasis dermatitis
Venous stasis dermatitis occurs when blood can’t flow freely through the veins, typically in the lower legs. It is a result of moisture and pressure build-up.

Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema, which causes coin-shaped skin spots, causes itchy, irritated patches which might be crusty or discharge clear fluid.

5 most common habits that worsen eczema
Having learned about the different types of eczema, let’s look at the common mistakes one may repeat in daily life that worsens eczema.

Not checking on indoor pollutants
Atopic dermatitis, one of the most common types of eczema, often appears as red, itchy skin after contact with certain environmental irritants. These irritants may be indoor pollutants, including dust, dust mites, and poisonous mold.

Additionally, when volatile organic compounds (harmful chemicals found in aerosol sprays, paints, or disinfectants) come into contact with the skin, they can lead to skin inflammation and damage the skin’s natural protective layer. This leads to more water evaporating from the skin, leaving the skin dry and worsening eczema and related skin diseases.

Improving the air quality inside the house with the help of certified air purifiers can cut down on eczema flare-ups.

Using chemical-heavy/fragranced soaps
Traditional soaps can be too abrasive for skin diseases like eczema, depriving the skin of natural oils that aid in water retention. A typical soap’s normal pH varies from 9 to 10 (alkaline), but the skin’s normal pH ranges from 4 to 5 (neutral). This can be harsh on the skin, stripping it of essential oils. As a result, dry skin may be more prone to eczema flare-ups. Using the wrong cleanser can also worsen skin diseases like eczema by making the skin dry, irritated, and inflamed.

Another issue to consider is that soaps may include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a chemical that can aggravate eczema-prone skin. A good alternative to chemical-heavy/fragranced soaps would be organic products. Opt for organic handmade soaps free of chemicals and artificial colors or fragrances.

Stress-induced habits
Skin diseases and conditions like eczema are not caused by stress; however, the itch-scratch cycle it creates can aggravate it. Poor eating habits under stress, lack of personal hygiene in stressful situations, or scratching subconsciously make the itching worse and risk even more irritation and swelling.

An easy way to help avoid this is to keep the fingernails short so that any scratching done isn’t overly intense. For young children and those who tend to scratch in their sleep, cotton gloves or anti-scratch mittens may also be helpful in managing eczema and related skin diseases. Lastly, managing skin diseases and conditions like eczema can be assisted by being more mindful of one’s mental health. Getting enough sleep and taking time off to relax and de-stress may help reduce flare-ups.

Using water-based moisturizers
The concept of skin health and an understanding that water can quickly be lost via the epidermis is something many people have heard of but may not fully understand. After all, the skin is supposed to bind and store water molecules. That’s where humectants come in. These substances help bind water molecules and draw them back to the skin, which can aid with healing and general skin health.

Yet, when dealing with eczema, transepidermal water loss can become severe, which means it’s time to look at moisturizing options. Moderate oil-based moisturizers are a solid option, but it’s important to avoid lotions as they contain little-to-no oil and often contain irritants that can do more harm than good on sensitive skin.

Taking a bath with excessively hot water
A long, steamy shower or bath may seem appealing, but it is not the right choice for people with eczema. The skin naturally creates oils that keep it moisturized, but hot water washes those oils away and dries out the skin. The skin is already weakened during eczema flare-ups, with a poor skin barrier, dryness, and inflammation. Hot water further worsens the condition. Thus, to protect the skin, and avoid eczema flare-ups one must lower the water temperature when taking a shower, washing hands, or cleaning the face.

Eczema is a common, irritating skin condition that can impact one’s life quality. It can keep a person awake at night, distract them, and make a person feel self-conscious in public. Controlling eczema begins with controlling one’s daily lifestyle. Thus, keeping a close eye on the habits and making small modifications to the lifestyle will help a person avoid skin diseases like eczema or keep them in check.