Eczema Knowledge Hub

If you live with eczema, you know that flare-ups can seem to appear out of nowhere. In reality, certain triggers often set them off. Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers can make a big difference. Here are the most common ones:

1. Irritants at home. Everyday products such as soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents, and cleaning sprays can strip and weaken the skin barrier, making it easier for eczema to flare.^[1] Maintaining a strong skin barrier with regular moisturising can also reduce sensitivity to everyday triggers.

2. Allergens. For some people, exposure to dust mites, pet dander, pollen, or certain foods can worsen eczema. In Singapore, the most common allergy trigger is house dust mites and their droppings. About one in three people with eczema who are allergic to dust mites will see their symptoms get worse when exposed.^[2]

3. Imbalance in the skin microbiome. Eczema skin is known to have an imbalance in its microbiome, with an increased amount of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. This can make flares more frequent, more severe, and slower to heal.^[3]

4. Stress. Stress doesn't cause eczema, but it can trigger a flare or make it worse. Stress affects both the immune system and the skin barrier, leading to more itch and inflammation.^[4]

5. Climate and environment. Cold, dry winters and hot, sweaty summers are both challenging. Sudden changes in temperature, low humidity, smoke, or pollution can all irritate the skin and start a flare.^[2,3]

No two people have the exact same triggers. Keeping a symptom diary can help you track what sparks your flares and guide changes in your daily routine.