How can I find indoor eczema triggers?
Find triggers at home
Learn how to find what could be triggering your child's triggers at home.
Match the possible trigger on the chart below and learn what you can do to help treat flares and avoid indoor triggers.
| Possible trigger | Could be a trigger if... | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Dust mites | Your child has severe eczema that treatment and skin care do not help. | Trying to control dust mites can be difficult. These microscopic bugs live in everyone's home. The following can reduce dust mites:
|
| Dry air | Child's eczema flares during the winter or you live in a dry climate. | Follow the tips found in Winter skin care for eczema. |
| Heat | Your child seems hot (or sweats) and starts to scratch. | Prevent overheating.
|
| Humidity | Your child seems itchy when it's humid. | Keep your home's humidity at a comfortable level. |
| Pet dander | Your child's eczema seems to flare around animals. | If you have a pet with fur or feathers, remove the pet from the home for a few weeks. If the eczema lessens, pet dander could be a trigger. Talk with your child's dermatologist about possible solutions. |
| Sudden change in temperature | Your child seems uncomfortable and starts to scratch after a sudden temperature change. |
|
| Tobacco smoke | Eczema appears on your child's eyelids or your child's eczema flares when someone smokes. | To protect everyone's health, ban smoking inside your home. If someone must smoke, make sure the person smokes outdoors. |
Related AAD resources
References
Abramovits W. “Atopic dermatitis.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Jul;53(1 Suppl 1):S86-93.
Sidbury R, Tom WL, et al. “Part 4: Guidelines of Care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Part 4: Prevention of disease flares and use of adjunctive therapies and approaches.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Dec;71(6):1218-33.