Eczema is often caused by irritants in the immediate environment. Dust mite protein is the number one indoor allergen (or irritant) to affect eczema sufferers. Approximately ten percent of the general population develops an allergy to dust mites. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to dust mites include eyes that are itchy and watery, sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, ears that are “stuffed up” and difficult to hear out of, chronic respiratory problems such as head colds and post nasal drip, asthma and the most widespread form of eczema- atopic dermatitis.

Dust mites cannot be seen with the human naked eye. They are extremely small, are shaped like an oval, have eight legs and are cream in color. Dust mites have sticky pads on their feet that enable them to burrow into almost any kind of fiber in your home. They are most often found taking up residence in furniture and carpeting. It is only the particles of dead dust mites that can efficiently be cleaned up with a vacuum cleaner. It’s not pretty but dust mites stay alive and build in strength by consuming the shed skin of people as well as human fingernails as hair. They also eat animal fur, bacteria, fungi and pollen. Dust mites thrive in environments where the humidity is anywhere in the area of seventy to eighty percent. They also require temperatures anywhere between seventy-five and eighty degrees. A humidity level of below forty will not allow dust mites to live or thrive for very long. It is important to keep dust mites out of your home as much as possible to avoid eczema flare-ups.

There are a variety of other irritants that can cause eczema to flare-up with greater frequency and also to cause the intensity of the breakouts to be worse. Avoid harsh laundry detergents and always rinse your clothes twice with cool water when you wash them. Avoid household cleaners, disinfectants, air sprays and other common household substances that cause you to sneeze, itch excessively, develop a stuffy nose and a sore throat. Buy mild natural or organic cleaners for around your home and always spray them away from your face. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and never mix cleaners as this can also cause you to pass out on the spot.

Avoid chlorine, solvents (such as paint thinners or turpentine), mineral oil as well as sand (as in the sand found in a child’s sandbox) and dust particles. Cigarette smoke bothers a lot of eczema patients and make sure not to do it yourself! Wool is a very scratchy fiber that can irritate a case of eczema tremendously so stick with synthetic fibers. Cotton is the best choice as it is soft against the skin, it absorbs sweat well and it is a breathable fabric.

Many cosmetic, skincare and beauty products contain a scent of some form or another as well as alcohol (such as skin astringents). Don’t use these types of products on your skin. Buy mild soaps, body cleansers and moisturizers that soothe and comfort skin and not aggravate it. Forego bubble bath, which is very drying to the skin, and instead reach for an emollient oil or a colloidal oatmeal bath to make your skin feel soft, supple and normal.