Some everyday habits might be making your eczema worse.
Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT
Key Points
- Stress, clothing, skin care and poor sleep can worsen eczema symptoms.
- A simple skin-care routine, breathable fabrics and good sleep may reduce flares.
- Working with a dermatologist can help identify triggers and personalize treatment.
Managing eczema can feel tricky at times, especially because there are so many different triggers that can make symptoms flare. Eczema (most commonly atopic dermatitis) is a chronic condition where the skin becomes inflamed, dry and itchy, which can be very uncomfortable.
Many factors are involved in eczema, including genetics, an overactive immune system and environmental triggers such as tobacco smoke, climate, allergens or certain fragrances and detergents. Some lifestyle habits can also worsen eczema symptoms, many of which you may not realize. We spoke with three dermatologists to share four different lifestyle habits and factors that may be quietly impacting eczema. Here’s what to know.
1. High Stress Levels
Have you ever noticed that your eczema gets worse when work is overwhelmingly busy or you have a lot going on at home? That’s common, because stress is one of the best-known triggers for eczema flares.
“When we’re stressed, the body releases inflammatory chemicals that can weaken the skin barrier and make skin more reactive,” says dermatologist Melanie Palm, M.D., M.B.A. This often leads to an increase in eczema symptoms like itching, redness or discoloration, dryness and irritation, contributing to an uncomfortable cycle that’s tricky to escape from.
“Eczema itself can become stressful, so people often get stuck in this cycle where stress worsens the eczema, and the eczema worsens the stress,” Palm says.
Research shows that stress-relieving habits like breathing exercises, listening to music, physical exercise and meditation may help reduce stress and eczema symptoms.
2. Wearing Clothes That Irritate Your Skin
“Clothing is one of those everyday triggers people don’t always think about,” says Palm. Some materials like wool and certain synthetic blends can irritate the skin and increase friction, worsening eczema flares. This is common with fabrics that are rough, tight or trap heat.
Instead, dermatologists recommend wearing clothing made of soft, breathable and nonirritating fabric when it’s in direct contact with your skin.
“Fabrics like 100% cotton, particularly long-staple cotton with a smooth weave, or mulberry silk are excellent choices because they minimize friction and help maintain a stable skin environment,” says dermatologist Sandra Oska, MD. “Rougher materials like wool or heat-trapping synthetics such as polyester can increase friction and heat.”
3. Your Skin-Care Habits
“A lot of people with eczema don’t realize they’re doing too much to their skin,” shares Palm. “They’re trying every trending product they see online, over-exfoliating or layering strong active ingredients onto already irritated skin.”
When you have eczema, it’s important to protect the skin barrier. When it’s weakened, moisture can escape and irritants can also penetrate the skin more easily, explains Palm. This can lead to skin that’s more itchy, inflamed and sensitive.
“Eczema-prone skin usually responds better to a very simple, consistent routine focused on barrier support,” says Palm. “Gentle cleanser, fragrance-free moisturizer, lukewarm water and avoiding harsh scrubs or aggressive acids goes a long way.”
Moisturizing is also important and may even reduce the frequency of flares, says dermatologist Carina M. Woodruff, MD, FAAD.
4. Not Getting Enough Sleep
There’s a bidirectional relationship between eczema and sleep. This means that sleep affects eczema symptoms while, at the same time, eczema severity influences sleep patterns and quality, says Oska.
The stress that often comes along with eczema can impact sleep quality, and you can also be so itchy and uncomfortable during a flare that your sleep is interrupted. On top of that, eczema itchiness is often worse at night. The lack of sleep can then make the skin even more inflamed and reactive the next day, explains Palm.
“Maximizing restorative and restful sleep is a key pillar in eczema management,” Oska emphasizes.
Other Tips for Supporting Eczema
- Limit Soap. If your skin feels dry, try not to use excessive amounts of soap. “Apply soap only to areas that are soiled or sweaty like your underarms, genital area and feet,” Woodruff says.
- Be Consistent with Your Skin Care. “I always tell patients not to wait until their skin is flaring to start taking care of it,” says Palm. “Daily barrier support really matters, even when the skin looks relatively calm.”
- Be Proactive. “If you feel that a flare is coming, start your topical medications right away,” advises Woodruff.
- Avoid Long, Hot Showers. Shorter, lukewarm showers can be a better option. “Hot water strips away the oils that help protect the skin barrier,” explains Palm.
- Prioritize Quality Sleep. “Maximizing restorative and restful sleep is a key pillar in eczema management,” Oska says.
- Work with an Expert. “A lot of people spend years self-treating with random products they find online, when in reality eczema can be very complex and individualized,” says Palm. “Working with a board-certified dermatologist can help identify triggers, strengthen the skin barrier and create a treatment plan that’s actually tailored to your skin and lifestyle.”
Our Expert Take
Eczema is a common and uncomfortable condition that can cause dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Many eczema triggers are out of your control, but some lifestyle factors can play a role. Often, people don’t realize that common habits like excessive skin-care routines, poor sleep, clothing choices and even a stressful day can make eczema worse.
To manage eczema, consider a simple, consistent skin-care routine, prioritize quality sleep, wear loose, breathable fabrics and manage stress. Working with a dermatologist can help identify personal triggers and design a care plan that’s right for you.
Comments are closed.