There are so many different eczema types that are caused by many different things. You may be surprised to learn that your own home may contain many of the allergens and irritants known to trigger many forms of eczema. Some of these substances in your home can actually cause very severe eczema reactions. If you want to control your eczema then it is important that you understand what triggers it.

The two main eczema causes in your home are allergens and irritants, but your body can have different reactions to these triggers which results in varying forms of eczema. A reaction may occur on the outer surface of your skin. On the other hand, you may get a reaction inside your body that affects several layers of your skin. The best way to understand these triggers is to learn a little more about the difference between internal and external reactions first.

Contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis are different eczema’s but both can be easily triggered by household allergens and irritants. If an allergen or irritant touches your skin and causes an external reaction, this is contact dermatitis. You will get a red, itchy, and inflamed rash at the point of contact. If your immune system reacts internally to an irritant or allergen and causes a flare up within your skin, this is atopic dermatitis. Normally, there is also a hormone imbalance or stress-related toxins in your system which increases the severity of the reaction. This form of eczema is often painful, swollen, and itchy. It will also appear anywhere on your body, not just as the point of contact with the irritant or allergen.

You can find irritants throughout your home. Sometimes they are airborne, such as cigarette smoke and air fragrances. There may be more unusual airborne irritants such as fumes from onions, peppers, and other prepared or cooked foods. If you run a humidifier in your home then you should also verify that you are only using distilled water in the machine. Otherwise, you may be exposing yourself to water-based chemicals, like chlorine, within the humid air.

Some of your common household chemicals are also eczema irritants. Laundry detergents, fabric softeners, nail varnish, and latex products are just some of the common household chemical irritants. If you have already checked these irritants and still have eczema, then you should check many of the items you use regularly. Bedding made from synthetic fibers and beauty products are also known to contain eczema irritants.

Allergens are very often either consumable or environmental in nature. Foods like dairy, nuts, and berries should always be your first suspects. In fact, some foods like peanuts and strawberries are known to cause both internal and external eczema’s.

The allergens within your home environment can be more difficult to control, but it is not impossible. Some of the common household allergens are dust mites, pet hair and dander, mildew, and mold. These can typically be controlled through regular cleanings that include a high quality vacuum cleaner. However, you may also want to purchase an air filter to remove these allergens from the air in your home.

Do not let the number of potential triggers in your home overwhelm you. You are probably only bothered by one or two eczema triggers and this will make it easier to control your condition. You should be able to easily identify and control you exposure to the trigger causing your eczema. The best way to treat your eczema is to eliminate the irritant and allergen triggers in your home.

More Eczema Articles