Managing Eczema Symptoms: Indoor And Outdoor Environments Have Different Triggers

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If you suffer from frequent eczema flare-ups, there could be more environmental factors (both indoor and outdoor) at play than you realize. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from scaly, dry skin to itchy rashes and oozing patches, depending on the severity of the flare-up.

In the guide below, we highlight some of the signs and symptoms of eczema, how your environment could be causing your flare-ups, and 10 tips to avoid triggering eczema symptoms.

Eczema Intro: Signs And Symptoms

We’ve covered a lot of the signs and symptoms of eczema in previous articles, which you can find at our eczema health and wellness page, but here’s a quick introduction to the chronic skin disease if you’re just getting started.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema (though there are seven main types), and is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is the result of an overactive immune system response. It is not contagious, but symptoms can vary, from dry and rough patches of skin to large plaques of red, inflamed skin covering much of the body.

While the exact cause of eczema isn’t clear, there are some straightforward environmental and internal triggers, from allergens and soaps to genetics and stress.

Signs It May Be Eczema

You’ll want to talk to your primary physician, dermatologist or allergist if you feel you may have any early or recurring skin conditions. Diagnosing the condition could involve looking at family history (including previous treatments for skin-related symptoms), sleep patterns, exposure to irritants, and biopsies of the rash or lesions.

Placements of the symptoms, which we outline below, can include:

• Face
• Scalp
• Skin around joints (especially hands and feet)
• Bends of elbows and knees
• Neck
• Ankles

People with eczema often have it in combination with other conditions, including asthma, allergies, other skin diseases, depression or anxiety, and poor sleep patterns.

Symptoms Of Eczema

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), here are a few of the most common symptoms experienced:

• Extreme itching
• Dry, sensitive skin
• Inflamed, discolored skin
• Rough or scaly skin, appearing as scaly patches
• Patches oozing or crusting over
• Bleeding from too much itching
• Swelling

Depending on the type of eczema you have, other symptoms can include small blisters on fingers and toes, skin discoloration from excessive itching, hair loss, speckles on the legs due to poor circulation and more.

Indoor Environmental Factors That Affect Eczema Symptoms

Allergens

Common household allergens can be pervasive, despite the amount of cleaning you may do on a weekly (or even daily) basis. While the allergens themselves may not always be a direct cause of eczema symptoms, eczema is more likely to develop in people who have a family history of allergies.

The National Eczema Society has a robust list of common household allergens and irritants, including:

• Dust mites: House dust mites are so small they can’t be seen by the naked eye. The protein in their droppings can cause problems for those with atopic eczema.
• Pollen and mold: Grass, weeds, and tree pollen can be explosive in the spring and summer, while in autumn, mold can release tiny seeds (called spores) into the air, triggering eczema symptoms.
• Pets: Animals shed skin cells (dander), and saliva and fur can be another type of irritant.
• Certain foods: Common culprits that can irritate eczema include citrus fruits, onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers and chiles.

I​ndoor Temperatures And Humidity Levels

We’ve discussed the role that humidity levels can play when it comes to skin health in our guide, How Humidity Can Impact Psoriasis Symptoms.

Air conditioners reduce the humidity level in homes, which can have a drying effect on the skin and exacerbate eczema symptoms. Alternatively, having too high humidity indoors will increase the growth of mold and dust mites, which are indoor allergens that can trigger eczema flare-ups.

Main takeaway when it comes to indoor climate control – don’t overheat your house in winter, and don’t overcool your house in summer.

Cleaning Solutions And Other Irritants

Household cleaners, laundry detergents, disinfectants and other sprays (both in liquid form and aerosol) can irritate the skin of those with eczema. In particular, those with irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), and atopic eczema are most likely to have sensitive skin.

Other common allergens for those with contact dermatitis might include cosmetic ingredients, metals (such as nickel or cobalt in jewelry), rubber, certain dyes and resins, glues and even flowers (like sunflowers, daffodils, tulips and others).

Outdoor Environmental Factors That Affect Eczema Symptoms

There are some natural environmental factors that can play a role in lowering the prevalence of eczema, including areas of slightly higher relative humidity, higher temperatures and lower use of air conditioning.

Extreme Hot And Cold Temperatures

When it comes to the temperature, both extreme heat and cold can be problematic for those with eczema. It can be an unpredictable condition, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). For some, dry, indoor air in winter can cause flare-ups, but for others, sweating, outdoor allergens and increased exposure to sunlight can cause symptoms to emerge.

Eczema flares during winter aren’t uncommon, due to dry air and cold temperatures in combination with indoor heating. Experts suggest ensuring the skin is properly moisturized more often with thick creams or ointments, and using breathable fabrics to avoid irritating the skin.

During times of high temperature and high humidity, and since eczema often appears behind the knees or at the bend of the elbows, increased sweating can dry out the skin, as well as cause rubbing and skin irritation.

Pollution

Pollution can affect skin barrier function, according to one study’s hypothesis, in turn triggering inflammation. According to another study, the increasing cases of atopic dermatitis rose in parallel to the increased environmental pollution exposure from industrialization and urban living.

Indoor pollution can also include smoke exposure and tobacco use, which has long played a role in the development of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Other Common Causes Triggering Eczema Symptoms

Other irritants that can trigger eczema symptoms can include:

• Clothing fabrics like wool or polyester
• Fragrances, such as in candles and certain moisturizers
• Antibacterial wipes and soaps
• Stress
• Poor sleep schedule
• Hormonal changes, especially for women before their period or during pregnancy
• Skin trauma or other infections

Tips To Manage Eczema Symptoms And Avoid Triggers

Keeping your home clean, skin barrier protected, and making key lifestyle changes when possible can help those with eczema reduce their chances of triggering symptom flare-ups.

1. Carpet cleaning: Vacuum carpets and soft furnishings, paying attention to corners where dust and dust mites may accumulate.
2. Laundry and bedding: Clean fabrics (including curtains and bedding) regularly. Washing temperatures should be at least 120 degrees.
3. Don’t allow pets on furniture: This may be hard for die-hard pet owners, but reducing the amount of fur and dander on furniture (including beds) will help control pet allergens.
4. Dietary choices: According to the National Eczema Association, there are some foods believed to support gut health, boost immune systems and lower inflammation levels. Repeated exposure to certain metals, foods, fabrics, and chemicals can cause hyper-reactivity, according to some experts. Some eczema patients have recorded allergic inflammation reactions to dairy, gluten, nuts and fish, too much sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
5. Reducing stress: Stress can trigger fight-or-flight, increasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Too much cortisol can suppress the immune system and cause an inflammatory response in the skin, according to some studies.
6. Use suitable moisturizers: Intensive moisturizers, especially in cold weather, can help protect against drying effects of extreme weather. Avoid irritating and drying ingredients, such as fragrance, alcohol, exfoliants and parabens.
7. Getting enough sleep: If itchy and uncomfortable skin is keeping you awake, consider taking an antihistamine before bed, since drowsiness can be a side effect. Keep your room dark, cool and clean, and moisturize thoroughly before bed.
8. Topical steroids: Creams and ointments can be used to reduce swelling and redness during eczema flare-ups. Be sure to talk to your doctor to discuss the best option for your needs.
9. Avoid certain soaps or detergents: You may need to find certain soap substitutes without drying ingredients. The AAAAI suggests non-soap fragrance-free cleansers like Cetaphil.
10. Other ways to manage itch relief: The “itch-scratch” cycle can lead to even more itchiness. Consider using a cold compress or wet wrap therapy during particularly intense eczema flares to provide a little extra hydration and relief. Avoid sitting on grass or plastic chairs (which can trigger an allergic skin reaction). There are also multiple bath soak options to help decrease inflammation, including baking soda, oatmeal, salt, vinegar and bleach bath solutions.

Learn More About Chronic Health Conditions

Be sure to discuss any concerns about your health with a physician, dermatologist, allergist or other specialist. If you want to explore more information about other chronic health and skin conditions, be sure to check out more of The Weather Channel’s health and wellness guides, including articles, slideshows and videos on important topics including psoriasis, diabetes, weight loss and healthy living.

The Weather Company does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with your doctor before starting any new medicine, treatment, weight loss or exercise regimen.

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