Updated June 29. 2026
In Eczema 101: What Is Eczema?, we explained what eczema is, how it affects the skin, as well as potential causes.
Now it's time to answer one of the most common questions people ask:
"What triggers eczema flare-ups?"
While eczema isn't caused by one single factor, many people notice that certain triggers make their symptoms worse. These triggers are different for everyone, which is why learning your own patterns is an important part of managing eczema.
In this guide, we'll explore the most common eczema triggers and explain why they may lead to flare-ups.
Key Takeaways
- Eczema flare-ups are often influenced by triggers, but triggers are different for everyone.
- Common eczema triggers include irritants, allergens, weather, stress, illness, food, fabrics, and certain skincare products.
- Identifying your personal triggers can help you better manage eczema over time.
- Keeping a symptom journal can help you recognize patterns and have more productive conversations with your healthcare provider.
- Once you understand your triggers, you can begin exploring lifestyle changes and daily skincare strategies that may help support healthier skin.
Please keep in mind that although these tips and information have worked for several sufferers, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or have a topical infection, it is always best to seek medical advice immediately.
Causes vs. Triggers: What's the Difference?
Although the words cause and trigger are often used interchangeably, they aren't the same thing.
The underlying causes of eczema involve a combination of genetics, an overactive immune response, and a weakened skin barrier. We addressed this in 101.
Triggers, on the other hand, are everyday factors that can worsen eczema symptoms or contribute to flare-ups in people who already have eczema. This is what we'll disucss here in this guide.
Think of it this way:
- The cause explains why someone develops eczema.
- A trigger explains why eczema flares at a particular time.
Understanding your personal triggers can help you better manage eczema over time.
How Did I Get Eczema?
If you suffer from eczema, this may be a question you’ve asked yourself at some point.
The truth is, there is no golden answer to the question. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but research suggests that the skin condition is developed because of a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
For example, some children develop eczema because of family genes, while others experience flare-ups due to an overactive immune system that responds with inflammation when triggered by a substance outside or inside the body.
The Most Common Eczema Triggers
Knowing what triggers your eczema is the first step to keeping your symptoms under control. However, when trying to identify what exactly is causing your eczema, it may be frustrating as there are a variety of possible irritants.
The trigger may be even harder to detect because there may also be a delayed reaction in a flare-up after exposure to an irritant. It’s also important to remember that eczema triggers may vary from person to person.
That being said, we’ve identified some common culprits.
Allergens
Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander may contribute to eczema flare-ups in some people. While these allergens don't trigger eczema for everyone, they can worsen symptoms in individuals who are sensitive to them.
If you notice your eczema becomes worse during allergy season or after exposure to certain environments, keeping track of these patterns can help you identify possible triggers.
Fabrics & Clothing
The clothes you wear every day can influence how your skin feels. Rough fabrics like wool, tight-fitting clothing, overheating, and sweat may irritate sensitive skin and contribute to flare-ups in some people. Choosing soft, breathable clothing materials and dressing for the weather may help reduce irritation. Since everyone's skin is different, it may take some trial and error to discover which fabrics work best for you.
Many people with eczema find relief with Remedywear TENCEL and zinc clothing and also 100% cotton clothing.
Food
Food can be a trigger for some people with eczema, particularly those with a diagnosed food allergy. However, food is not a trigger for everyone, and eliminating foods unnecessarily may do more harm than good, especially when young children are involved.
If you suspect food may be contributing to your or your child's eczema, speak with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.
You'll also find this guide about healing eczema from the inside out helpful: Eczema 103: Healing From Within.
Illness
Colds, viruses, infections, and other illnesses can temporarily worsen eczema symptoms. When your immune system is working to fight an illness, inflammation throughout the body may contribute to a flare-up.
Many people notice their skin improves again once they have recovered, although maintaining a consistent skincare routine during illness may help support the skin barrier.
Irritants
Everyday products and environmental irritants are among the most common eczema triggers. Soaps, detergents, household cleaners, fragrances, cigarette smoke, and certain chemicals can irritate sensitive skin and weaken the skin barrier.
Whenever possible, choose gentle products designed for sensitive skin and pay attention to whether certain products consistently make your eczema worse.
Skincare Products
Some skincare products can irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Harsh soaps, cleansers, fragrances, and certain ingredients may increase dryness or irritation for some people. Introducing new products one at a time and paying attention to how your skin responds can help you identify products that support, rather than aggravate, your skin barrier.
You can review this guide for skincare ingredients to avoid with eczema.
Using natural skincare with clean ingredients is highly recommended to soothe skin without further irritation.
Learn more about building an eczema-friendly skincare routine in Eczema 104.
Stress
Stress doesn't cause eczema, but many people notice their symptoms worsen during emotionally stressful periods. Researchers believe stress may increase inflammation in the body while also making the itch-scratch cycle more difficult to control.
Finding healthy ways to manage stress may help reduce the frequency or severity of flare-ups for some people.
Weather & Climate
Changes in weather can have a significant impact on eczema-prone skin. Cold winter temperatures, dry air, low humidity, excessive heat in summer, and sweating can all weaken the skin barrier and increase dryness, itching, or irritation.
While you can't control the weather, adjusting your skincare routine and clothing to match the season may help reduce flare-ups.
Our Founders Eczema Journey
Determining her son's triggers was an essential key for our founder, Jennifer Roberge, in helping her son's skin heal from eczema. Read more about her family's journey here.
Keeping an Eczema Trigger Diary
Because eczema triggers are unique to each person, keeping a simple diary can help you recognize patterns over time. Track things like the weather, stress levels, new skincare products, foods, clothing, exercise, and when flare-ups occur. While it won't identify every trigger, it can provide valuable insights and help guide conversations with your healthcare provider.
Supporting Your Skin Barrier
While identifying your triggers is an important step, many people also find that using gentle skincare and eczema-friendly clothing helps reduce everyday irritation.
Explore our carefully curated collections for natural eczema support:
- Natural Eczema Creams
- Eczema Clothing
- Eczema Pajamas
- Bedding for Eczema
- Eczema Gloves and Mittens
-
Wet Wrap Therapy
When Should You See a Healthcare Professional?
If your eczema is severe, becomes infected, interferes with sleep or daily life, or isn't improving with your current routine, it's important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional or dermatologist can help confirm your diagnosis, identify possible triggers, and recommend a treatment plan that's appropriate for your individual needs.
Continue Your Eczema Learning Journey
Eczema 101: What Is Eczema? - You learned what eczema is, how it affects the skin, as well as potential causes.
Eczema 102: What Triggers Eczema? - You're here.
Eczema 103: Healing From Within - Now that you understand common eczema triggers, learn how nutrition, supplements, sleep, stress management, and whole-body health may support your skin.
Eczema 104: How to Treat Eczema Naturally - Explore moisturizers, bathing routines, wet wraps, clothing, and daily skincare strategies.
FAQs
What triggers eczema?
Eczema triggers vary from person to person and may include irritants, allergens, stress, weather, illness, and certain skincare products.
Can stress trigger eczema?
Yes. Stress doesn't cause eczema but may worsen symptoms in some people.
Does weather trigger eczema?
Cold, dry air and excessive heat or sweating can all contribute to flare-ups.
Can food trigger eczema?
Food can be a trigger for some people, particularly those with food allergies, but it isn't a trigger for everyone with eczema.
Can adults develop new eczema triggers?
Yes. Triggers can change over time because of environmental changes, lifestyle, or skin sensitivity.
