5 Common Eczema Triggers & How To Treat Naturally

Eczema can be painful, more so when there's a sudden flare-up out of nowhere. To keep eczema symptoms under control and eventually heal it, you first have to understand its root causes. While there are certain factors you can't control, you can always take extra precautions and take great care of your skin to promote skin repair.

Here are the 5 common eczema triggers you should be aware of, and ways you can treat it naturally.

1. Excessively Dry or Oily Skin

Eczema is triggered by two types of skin – one that's too dry, or one that's too oily. When your skin produces less sebum than what's necessary, your skin loses its natural moisture, with no protective barrier to shield the skin from damage. This skin type is highly prone to eczema symptoms. As for extremely oily skin, there is an overproduction of sebum, which can rupture the natural balance of the skin. This type of skin can also be the cause of eczema.

2. Allergic Reactions

Eczema can be triggered by allergic reactions, be it food allergies, or allergies caused by environmental pollutants, and vice versa. If you experience eczema symptoms exacerbating after eating certain types of food like carbs, gluten, or anything else, be cautious. Environmental factors like pet dander, mold, etc. can also be the reason your eczema symptoms are becoming more severe. Besides these, you should also be careful about scented products (soap, detergent, air freshener, etc.), as the chemicals used in them can trigger eczema.

3. Extreme Weather

Extreme weather conditions are another possible trigger for why your eczema symptoms are flaring up. For example, you might find your skin to be inflamed and irritated after a long day in the sun, or you might experience the same after spending time in a snowy region. If you feel your eczema is getting fuelled by the weather, you have to start taking better care of your skin.

4. Stress

Your internal feelings manifest themselves on the outside. When you're stressed and worried about something, your eczema conditions can flare up. During stressful situations, the body releases cortisol. With high levels of cortisol production, your skin becomes unusually oily, which can in turn trigger eczema. The eczema outbreak further increases anxiety and stress, causing the condition to worsen – this can turn into a vicious cycle unless treated with care.

5. Sweat

Sweating is another big trigger for eczema. If you're already experiencing symptoms of eczema, they might get worse right after a sweaty workout session. To reduce the intensity of the symptoms, you should try to take care of your skin during and after the workout. Have a towel handy to wipe off the sweat, and stay hydrated. Take a bath after working out, so your skin feels fresh and rejuvenated. If irritation persists, shift your workout time to early mornings or late evenings, so it doesn't feel too hot.

Ways to Treat Eczema Naturally 

Now that you're aware of the most common eczema triggers, it's time for you to be more mindful about your skin, food habits, surroundings, and most importantly, your skincare.

Here are some quick tips: 

• Avoid places with extreme weather conditions
• Take showers after exercising to prevent sweat-induced irritation
• Avoid food you're allergic to
• Be careful of environmental allergens
• Keep stress at bay
• Apply a gentle moisturiser to soothe your skin
  

If you're unsure which moisturiser works the best, try the Kawakawa Pure Blend Repair Balm. It is an excellent healer for people with sensitive skin and eczema – apply it twice or three times a day, and watch how it helps repair the damaged skin from within!

You can also use Soothe + Protect Kawakawa Balm, Soothe It Kawakawa Balm, Soothe + Protect Balm or Kawakawa Hemp Seed Balm  – all of these natural products can help speed up the healing process for your skin.