4 Atopic Dermatitis Triggers

Posted on: 14 June 2021

Atopic dermatitis doesn't always cause constant problems. You might be able to control the condition at some times. However, your dermatitis will flare up at other times.

If you can spot triggers that cause these flare-ups, then you control your condition more effectively. Which factors might affect your dermatitis?

1. Environmental Triggers

Your atopic dermatitis might give you problems when you are exposed to certain environmental factors. If you come into contact with an irritant or allergen, then your skin might suffer.

For example, some people have problems if they come into contact with certain soaps, detergents, and chemicals. Allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander can also cause flare-ups.

2. Physical Health Triggers

Your general health affects your dermatitis. You're more likely to have clear periods if you are fit and healthy.

If you are sick, then your skin is more likely to have a flare-up. Even a slight cold or minor bacterial infection affects your immune system enough to bring on your dermatitis.

Sometimes, your dermatitis gets worse after an initial flare-up because your skin gets infected. This problem, in turn, can make a flare-up worse. Your skin might be more painful and sore until you get treatment for the underlying problem.

Even a minor problem, like letting your skin get too dry, can make your dermatitis worse. If you don't take steps to keep your skin hydrated, then you're more at risk of a flare-up.

3. Stress Triggers

Your mental health affects your physical wellbeing. If you are anxious, stressed, or angry, then your atopic dermatitis is more likely to come back.

Stress and high emotions can affect you physically. For example, your body might increase its inflammation levels. This increase can trigger itchiness and take you down the dermatitis path.

4. Heat Triggers

Heat can be a problem for people who have atopic dermatitis. So, it's important to try and keep your skin, and yourself, cool or warm rather than hot.

For example, a hot bath or shower can trigger itchiness and a subsequent flare-up. Too much exposure to the sun and a hard exercise workout can have the same effect.

As you learn to live with your dermatitis, you'll work out what makes it worse. You can then avoid negative triggers to keep the condition under more control.

To learn more about your condition, its triggers, and effective self-management techniques, ask your doctor to recommend atopic dermatitis resources.

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