House dust mite may be a trigger in some cases House dust mite is a tiny insect that occurs in every home. You cannot see it without a microscope. It mainly lives in bedrooms and mattresses as part of the dust.

Many people with eczema are allergic to house dust mite. If you are allergic, you have to greatly reduce the numbers of house dust mite for any chance that symptoms may improve.

However, it is impossible to clear house dust mite completely from a home, and it is hard work to greatly reduce their number to a level which may be of benefit. It involves regular cleaning and vacuuming with particular attention to your bedroom, mattress, and bedclothes.

Therefore, if your eczema is mild to moderate, and can be managed by the usual treatments of emollients and short courses of topical steroids, it is usually not worthwhile doing anything about house dust mite. However, if you have moderate or severe eczema which is difficult to control with the usual treatments, you may wish to consider reducing the number of house dust mites from your home. Another leaflet gives more details on how to reduce house dust mites.

Food sensitivity may be a trigger in some cases

Less than 1 in 10 children with atopic eczema have a food sensitivity (allergy) which can make symptoms worse. In general, it is young children with severe eczema who may have a food sensitivity as a trigger factor. The most common foods which trigger eczema symptoms in some people include: cow's milk, eggs, soya, wheat, fish, and nuts.

If you suspect a food is making your child's symptoms worse, then see a doctor. You may be asked to keep a diary over 4-6 weeks. The diary aims to record any symptoms and all foods and drink taken. It may help to identify one or more suspect foods. In some cases, if a 'trigger food' is identified, a diet without this food may be advised if the eczema is severe and difficult to control by other means. But this should only be done under the supervision of a dietician and only helps in a small proportion of cases.

Other triggers

Other possible factors which may trigger symptoms, or make symptoms worse, include: stress and 'habit scratching', pollens, moulds, dander from pets, pregnancy, and hormone changes before a period in women. However, some of these may not be avoidable.

By Goodtoknow.co.uk

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