What Things Make Eczema Worse?

Eczema is influenced by many environmental factors, which are important to take into account in the day to day management of eczema. These factors are problems when they directly contact the skin surface. Aggravating factors include:

*synthetic or woolen fabrics
Children should be dressed in cotton clothes or as high a percentage of cotton as possible.

*Biological detergents or fabric conditioners
Use non-biological products

*Irritant foods and drooling

*Foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause eczema around the mouth. This is often made
worse by lip-licking and dribbling. It is helpful to apply a protective barrier of Vaseline around
the mouth, 2 to 3 times daily and prior to meals. The infant who is drooling often has “chapped”
skin around the mouth on the chest or on the hands. Pat dry with a soft cloth and use Vaseline or
other moisturizers on the areas.

*Cigarette smoke
In an enclosed room, fumes will irritate the skin. It is best to ban smoking within the home.

*Dogs and cats
Virtually all furry pets will produce a skin reaction in a child with eczema. Cats and dogs leave their dander everywhere and so the child is always at risk, even if the animal itself is not around. Avoid cats and dogs in the house and if necessary get a goldfish!