{"id":5411,"date":"2022-12-06T13:04:12","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T21:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=5411"},"modified":"2025-07-08T10:42:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T17:42:19","slug":"eczema-explained-part-3-acclaimed-dermatologist-dr-howard-murad-reveals-the-truth-about-eczema-flare-ups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/eczema-explained-part-3-acclaimed-dermatologist-dr-howard-murad-reveals-the-truth-about-eczema-flare-ups\/","title":{"rendered":"Eczema explained, part 3: Dr. Howard Murad on flare-up triggers\u2014fragrances, fabrics & stress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The physical manifestation of eczema<\/a> might be obvious, but its causes aren\u2019t always as clear, especially because there can be a lag time between the flare-up and its trigger. What is eczema, what triggers eczema, are eczema and stress related and what can we do to cope? We asked board-certified dermatologist, pharmacist and founder Dr. Howard Murad to help us figure out what causes eczema to flare up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What causes eczema to flare up? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to know these things first: Eczema<\/a> can be confined to one spot or show all over the body. It can be mild or turn into an oozing, weeping sore. It\u2019s not contagious, but there is no cure. Specific types of eczema, like atopic dermatitis, can start in infancy but not everyone will grow out of this potentially persistent and painful skin condition. (If they do grow out of it, it happens in adolescence.) It\u2019s also associated with hay fever, asthma and general allergies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Murad says, \u201cEczema, which is just another name for a rash, can be triggered by so many things. Genetics, exposure to irritants like fragrances and allergens and emotional stress are three of the eczema triggers I first consider when treating my patients.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eczema trigger 1: genetics <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people who suffer from any form of eczema tend to have a mutation of the gene responsible for creating filaggrin, a protein that helps our bodies maintain a strong, protective skin barrier. Without filaggrin, \u201cThe microbiome and skin barrier become imbalanced, the immune system is alerted, inflammation is triggered, skin damage and itching start and a vicious cycle begins,\u201d Murad says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eczema trigger 2: exposure to environmental irritants <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Things like car exhaust, smoke, pollution, soaps, fragrances, extreme weather conditions and coarse fabrics are all recognized as eczema triggers. Because we all come from different DNA, dermatologists look at all the variables that potentially trigger eczema. This includes the good hygiene practices and antibiotic use that hit all new levels during the pandemic.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe wash our hands constantly, sanitize the second after we cough and take an antibiotic to fight bacterial infections,\u201d Murad says. \u201cThese are all necessary things, but we\u2019re stripping away good bacteria along with the bad and can\u2019t build a healthy immune system or maintain a healthy skin barrier and microbiome. That\u2019s why we\u2019re seeing more and more people with eczema rashes<\/a>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eczema trigger 3: emotional stress <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, eczema and stress are connected. \u201cOur skin reflects our emotional state,\u201d Murad says. \u201cThink of how you\u202fblush with embarrassment or go pale from fear.\u202fYour nervous system, immune system, cutaneous (skin) and\u202fendocrine system are all connected and all important to physical, emotional and mental health.\u201d This\u202fbiological connection is why we can conclude that emotional stress triggers eczema flare-ups and can make\u202fcurrent flare-ups worse.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe stress brought on by the itch-scratch cycle can cause frustration and depression. More intense or extreme forms of eczema can even disturb sleep patterns and that has a huge impact on quality of life,\u201d Murad explains. \u201cStress can also trigger an overabundance of cortisol to flood the body and the skin. This stimulates inflammation and can trigger dehydration<\/a> that can irritate skin and trigger eczema or worsen a flare up.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This \u201cmind-skin\u201d connection has inspired the founding of two fields: psychoneuroimmunology is the study of how the immune system and the brain connect illness, mood, thought, trauma and stress, and psychodermatology<\/a> considers invisible and visible elements of a disease, [(e.g., the mind (invisible) and the skin condition (visible)] when forming a diagnosis and treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can people with eczema do to help minimize and control flare-ups? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Treating with topicals is a start, but Murad recommends investing in your emotional and mental well-being, too.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Care for yourself inside and out <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You know the rules: a healthy diet and plenty of water are the not-so-secret secrets to a healthy and hydrated mind, body and skin. Complement that with skincare products<\/a> that avoid some of the key players in triggering rashes, like fragrances, soaps, dyes, and certain detergents.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about a topical steroid? Dr. Murad says, \u201cTopically applied steroids are anti-inflammatory and they can help, however, the really strong ones thin the skin. Rather than reducing symptoms, over time, it can make them worse.\u201d And, \u201cMedications act as an auto-immune suppressant that may relieve symptoms but can cause other side effects.\u201d Calming<\/a>, soothing<\/a>, moisturizing<\/a> products for itch relief<\/a> are readily available at your local store\u2014and worth trying before seeking a prescription. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unplug, literally <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStress underwrites the development of\u202fvirtually all<\/em>\u202fof the leading diseases of our times, and that includes skin diseases,\u201d Murad says. We need to take our vacation days, set boundaries around work and personal hours, and really focus on what we\u2019re experiencing in real life rather than focusing on a post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you think away your eczema?  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and pain in patients with skin diseases. Murad advises us to \u201cfigure out what helps you de-stress and do it daily, if not hourly.” Walk, cook, dance, read, journal\u2014whatever helps you release a little stress will be beneficial for your mind and subsequently the health of your skin. (However, he doesn’t recommend scrolling your feed as a stress-busting activity).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to know more about eczema and sensitive skin?
<\/strong>Eczema explained, part 1: Did you know there are 7 types of eczema? Why it matters\u2014plus, which type do you have?<\/a>
Eczema explained, part 2: Is melanin-rich skin more prone to misdiagnosis? Plus, other myths and mistakes you need to know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The physical manifestation of eczema might be obvious, but its causes aren\u2019t always as clear, especially because there can be a lag time between the flare-up and its trigger. What is eczema, what triggers eczema, are eczema and stress related and what can we do to cope? We asked board-certified dermatologist, pharmacist and founder Dr. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":5396,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5411","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skin"],"metadata":{"_edit_lock":["1751996569:21"],"_thumbnail_id":["5396"],"_edit_last":["21"],"adobe_analytics_repeatable":["a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:\"name\";s:0:\"\";s:5:\"value\";s:0:\"\";}}"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["5"],"show_featured_image":["1"],"_show_featured_image":["field_609ee1cf1ce13"],"primary_category":["5"],"_primary_category":["field_608c33bdd26d5"],"mobile_image":[""],"_mobile_image":["field_60bf7692abe28"],"_post_views_count":["field_6107dfafd6a27"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":["5"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Relieving eczema with topicals is a start, but Dr. Howard Murad recommends investing in your emotional and mental well-being, too."],"post_views_count":["6799"],"sidebar_products_use_global_default":["0"],"_sidebar_products_use_global_default":["field_63a349a11086a"],"sidebar_products_items":[""],"_sidebar_products_items":["field_63a349a110878"],"sidebar_products":[""],"_sidebar_products":["field_63a349a0dadad"],"sidebar_products_title":["Related Products"],"_sidebar_products_title":["field_6408d62123449"]},"aioseo_notices":[],"acf":{"show_featured_image":true,"primary_category":{"term_id":5,"name":"Skin","slug":"skin","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":238,"filter":"raw"},"mobile_image":false,"post_views_count":"6799","sidebar_products":{"use_global_default":false,"title":"Related Products","items":""}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5411","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5411"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5411\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13571,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5411\/revisions\/13571"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/5396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5411"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}