Why is my eczema getting worse?
Eczema can get worse due to external factors such as changes in the weather or exposure to allergens, which can inflame the skin. Stress, lack of sleep, hormonal fluctuations specifically in the days after ovulation and before the period, and even age can all impact eczema-prone skin, causing it to become drier and itchier.
6 things that can worsen eczema
Eczema tends to flare up at various times and sometimes it can be difficult to figure out the cause or trigger for the worsening itch and redness. Eczema is an umbrella term rather than a specific skin condition, so each individual may need to find different solutions to managing their symptoms.
Be your own detective and see if you can identify the things that make your skin dry and itchy; for instance – Does your skin have a flare-up after a boozy night out? If you know this to be true then you can play around with ways of reducing the 'good times' effect that socialising has on your skin. Could your fake tan or makeup be aggravating your skin? Does missing sleep make a difference? Knowing what makes eczema worse is very useful information so that you can reduce flare-ups and improve symptoms.
Here are 6 common factors that may be making your eczema worse:
1. A lack of sleep can affect eczema
A lack of sleep can affect eczema because it increases levels of inflammation in the body and affects how well the immune system copes. Poor sleep has also been linked to increased skin sensitivity and slower rates of wound repair.
Simple tips that may help improve sleep and therefore eczema symptoms:
- Establish a sleep routine, go to bed at the same time every night.
- Turn off screens an hour before bed and do something restful instead like reading or listening to music.
2. Exposure to irritants or allergens can worsen eczema
Many people with eczema lack protein in the skin called filaggrin which gives them a natural disadvantage. Inflammation coming from inside the body, or from outside forces (like scratching that itch) can further damage the skin's protective defences. When weakened, it affects the skin's ability to keep things like dust mites or itchy wool from triggering an immune cell overreaction in the skin. Exposure to irritants and things like detergents or soaps that also dry out the skin can set off an inflammatory cascade that can be difficult to calm.
Simple tips that may help reduce irritant exposure and their effects on eczema:
- Use soap-free alternatives when washing and always use your rubber gloves when handling detergents. This took me the better part of 30 years to take on board, but it does help
- Take note of anything that may be making you itchy, whether it's that glass of wine or your favourite jumper. Know your enemy!
- Keep the skin from drying out, as this makes it more vulnerable to skin flare-ups. Take a soothing cream such as Neem Cream with you everywhere you go so that you can reapply as often as you need.
My Top Tip: Useful for allergic reactions, redness, eczema and sensitive areas
"Brilliant for itchy irritated skin"
3. Eczema can develop or get worse as we age
Older skin is thinner and drier compared to the plump, dewy youthful flesh of young folk. It's more likely to develop skin sensitivity or eczema. Lifestyle habits like late nights, a tendency to avoid vegetables, and 'nightcaps' (euphemism for a whisky after the wine) can increase inflammation. Often, older adults may have health complaints that can be associated with forms of eczema such as varicose veins. They may not move around as much as they should do. All of these factors can worsen eczema or cause it to develop later in life.
A couple of simple tips that may help:
- Protect delicate skin from drying out by using a rich, plant-based moisturiser as often as needed. Night-time may be the best time to apply creams for maximum effect, particularly after a cool-ish shower. Neem cream is one herbal option that may suit red, irritated or itchy skin.
- Regular movement will help circulation, which will increase blood flow to the skin, especially in the lower legs and arms. Even a 20-minute walk can help to pump the circulatory system, positively impacting skin repair and complexion!
4. Hormonal fluctuations can worsen eczema
Eczema worsens specifically for approximately 50% of girls and women in the days after ovulation and before their period. (1) This is likely to be the dual effect of both oestrogen and progesterone on the immune system and the skin barrier. The skin is more permeable before the period, so more likely to dry out and therefore be exposed to irritants and allergens. (2)
In perimenopause and menopause, when oestrogen levels fall, the skin can become thin, dry, sensitive and even more eczema-prone.
Simple tips that may help reduce the effects of hormonal fluctuations on eczema:
- Try to keep the skin well-moisturised to maintain a protective barrier against anything that will irritate the skin.
- Keep a period and symptom diary so that you can track the effects hormones have on the skin. This can help when deciding on strategies that will help manage symptoms. It will also provide useful information that can be shared with a GP or practitioner, should you seek professional advice.
- Flax seeds (also known as linseed) are good sources of fibre, plant oestrogens, and essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are a great addition to the diet and can help to plump out and lubricate the skin from the inside. I soak them before I add them to smoothies or my porridge, to soften them. It makes them easier to digest and maximises their fibre content.
5. The weather can worsen eczema
Dry, windy, cold weather can aggravate eczema because it dries out the skin, thus making it itchier. (3) Unfortunately, studies have also found that humid, warm climates with lots of sun exposure aren't any better for controlling eczema symptoms. (4) It's probably safe to assume that it's all about trying to avoid extreme weather conditions.
Many of us will not be able to choose the weather we have to live in, but we may be able to take sensible measures to protect the skin in harsh weather.
Simple tips that may help protect eczema from the weather:
- Stop the skin from drying out in cold, windy weather by keeping it well-moisturised. Carry a good cream with you everywhere and use it frequently.
- Cover up to protect the skin from harmful exposure to sun, wind or frost. Ideally, clothing should be comfortable and breathable. Natural fibres like linen and cotton may therefore suit eczema better than sweaty, man-made nylons and polyesters. Wool, although natural, may be irritating and scratchy.
- In humid, warm weather, try to wash frequently to remove sweat and residues from the skin, as they can block the skin and inhibit the skin's sweating ability.
6. Stress can worsen eczema
Long-term stress puts a lot of pressure on the mind and the body. It worsens eczema because it negatively affects the immune system and the skin barrier function. One study tested this by inducing eczema flare-ups in study participants by stressing them with ringing phones and a street-fighting video game. (5) There's definitely another article here on the stressful effects of all electronic devices!
Simple tips that may help reduce the effect of stress on eczema:
- Keep a symptom and mood diary so that you can be aware of any stress triggers like loud noise (ringing) or getting up too late and having to rush first thing in the morning. If getting up a little earlier or finding a quiet place occasionally makes you feel calmer and more relaxed, you may see improvements in your skin too.
- Try a herbal remedy like Valerian Complex Stress Relief to help relieve mild anxiety that may be affecting eczema. Alternatively, a flower remedy like Relaxing Essence may help to stop a negative thought cycle that may be preventing the mind from thinking calmly.
- Deep breathing techniques can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and effectively calm the whole system. It can take a little practice, but it's easy to learn and free. You'll find specific advice and instruction on how to do it here.
