Eczema Triggers

Eczema tends to flare-up when the person is exposed to certain trigger factors. These substances or conditions worsen the eczema, such as dry skin, irritants, allergens, emotional stress, heat and sweating, and infections. Moisturizers such as jojoba oil can be applied to the affected areas as frequently as required to relieve itching, scaling and dryness. Emollients may also be used on the unaffected skin to reduce dryness. Emollient therapy helps to restore one of the skin's most important functions, which is to form a barrier to prevent bacteria and viruses getting into the body and therefore help to prevent a rash becoming infected. Emollients are safe and rarely cause an allergic reaction. Occasionally, products with lanolin may cause a reaction. Ideally, moisturizers should be applied three to four times a day. Apply in a gentle downward motion in the direction of hair growth to prevent accumulation of cream around the hair follicle (this can cause infection of the follicle).