L'eczema è un termine generico che comprende 8 diverse condizioni cutanee: dermatite atopica, dermatite da contatto, eczema disidrosico, eczema nummulare, neurodermite, dermatite seborroica, dermatite da stasi e dermatite periorale.
Indipendentemente dal tipo di eczema, possono verificarsi riacutizzazioni quando qualcosa irrita o stressa la pelle. A volte la causa è evidente, come il contatto con un allergene noto, un sapone profumato o un detersivo. Altre volte, può trattarsi di qualcosa che inizialmente non si riconosce, come i cambiamenti climatici, l’uso di indumenti ruvidi o lo stress.
Key takeaways:
- Eczema flare ups are often caused by triggers like irritants, allergens, stress, and sudden changes in weather.
- Everyday habits, like wearing certain materials or using certain products, can unknowingly worsen your symptoms.
- Identifying and avoiding your triggers can help keep eczema under control.
- Gentle skincare routines, moisturising daily, and protecting the skin barrier are essential to preventing flare ups.
- It’s important to stay consistent with your routine, even if your skin feels better.
Who is more likely to get eczema?
Eczema can affect anyone, but certain factors make it more likely. Here’s what we know about the factors that can affect your risk.
Age
Eczema is most common in babies and young children, often appearing in the first year of life. Many children outgrow it, but not always. There’s also a second smaller peak in older adults, with new cases often appearing after age 50-60.
Gender
Boys are slightly more likely to have eczema during infancy. After early childhood, girls and women are more likely to develop eczema and experience flare ups. With age, rates between men and women even out again.
Etnia
Le persone di origine asiatica e africana presentano un rischio più elevato di eczema rispetto a quelle di origine caucasica. Le differenze genetiche nella barriera cutanea e nei meccanismi infiammatori potrebbero essere la causa di questa maggiore predisposizione.
Living conditions
Living in a city or urban area increases the risk of eczema. Higher levels of air pollution, indoor heating, and closer contact with irritants like cleaning chemicals can all trigger eczema. People from lower-income backgrounds may also experience more eczema during adulthood. In infancy though, eczema was slightly more common in those from wealthier backgrounds.
Cambiamenti improvvisi del clima
Cali improvvisi di temperatura, aria fredda e secca e condizioni climatiche rigide invernali possono causare riacutizzazioni dell'eczema. Una bassa umidità secca la pelle, mentre il calore e il sudore possono irritarla ulteriormente. Vivere in aree con forti cambiamenti stagionali può rendere l'eczema più difficile da gestire.
Pre-existing allergies
If you have allergies like hay fever, asthma, or food allergies, you’re more likely to develop eczema. These conditions are all part of what doctors call the "atopic triad" - they often go hand in hand because of the way the immune system reacts to everyday triggers.
Genetics
A family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies increases your risk. Some people have a mutation in the filaggrin (FLG) gene, which helps protect the skin’s barrier. When this barrier doesn’t work properly, it’s easier for irritants, allergens, and microbes to get in, which is a contributing factor of eczema.
Modi in cui potresti causare riacutizzazioni dell'eczema senza saperlo
Stress
Stress can trigger your body’s inflammatory response, which can worsen itch and cause flare ups.
Illness (like a cold): Illnesses can weaken your immune system, making your skin more sensitive to other triggers.
Air pollution
Chemicals and irritants in the air can irritate your skin and weaken its natural barrier.
Changes in temperature
Moving too quickly from hot to cold (or vice versa) can dry out your skin, causing more inflammation.
Harsh soaps and detergents
Strong cleaning products can irritate or damage your skin’s protective barrier.
Hot showers and baths
Hot water strips natural oils from your skin, making it dry and more prone to eczema.
Sweating
As sweat dries on your skin, the salt dehydrates you. This can trigger stinging and itching, especially on sensitive skin.
Scratchy clothing
Rough fabrics can rub against the skin and cause irritation and flare ups.
Acqua dura
L'acqua con un alto contenuto di minerali può seccare la pelle e renderla più sensibile.
Esposizione agli allergeni: Il contatto con allergeni come acari della polvere, forfora di animali domestici, polline o alcuni alimenti può scatenare infiammazioni.