Eczema triggers can be different for everyone and can be brought on by many different factors. However, in most cases, triggers often come from stress, allergens, and your environment, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA).
“People who have eczema are much more susceptible to irritation from things that they can commonly come into contact with, which could be as simple as water,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
For many people living with eczema, the common triggers that are causing them problems are often the ones lurking in their homes. The good news, however, is that there are several ways to keep these potential triggers to a minimum in every room of your house. Keep reading for tips on eczema proofing your house.
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Check the temperature in your house
Before you make your way to the individual rooms in your house, make a point to be mindful of the temperature and dryness in your home. If you have eczema, you may be sensitive to dry air and hot temperatures.
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You should keep the temperature in your home consistent throughout the winter and summer, but remember to not go overboard.
“Winter is a very common time for people to experience dryness, not just because of the cold weather outside, but also because when we’re inside and we put on the high heat, that can actually be drying on the skin,” says Dr. Garshick.
If your house gets too dry, a humidifier may help. Although there is currently no scientific evidence that it can help people with eczema, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA), it can bring the moisture back into your home.
Garshick suggests keeping the humidity level at about 50 percent and the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Tips for eczema proofing your home room by room
Bedroom & Closet
In your bedroom potential triggers can mostly be found on your bed. Mattresses and bedsheets can collect dust mites that are hard to spot and can irritate your skin. You can cut down on dust by investing in a dust-mite proof cover and regularly washing your sheets in hot water. Additionally, remember to choose white or undyed sheets and prewash new sheets before using them.
When washing your bedding and clothes, stay away from heavy-duty detergents that contain harsh chemicals. Garshick suggests opting for a gentle detergent that is free of dyes and scents.
In addition, take a look at the clothes in your closet. Do you have any items that could be triggering your eczema? Fabrics such as wool and
