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Let's get weird! Here's my personal list of eczema triggers - the usual suspects and some surprises. Hopefully it might help shed some light on those pesky flare-ups you can't seem to shake!
Stress
Ah, stress, my skin's arch-nemesis. Enter Neurodermatitis (or its highbrow alias, lichen simplex chronicus). Basically I itch until my eczema becomes super thick and leathery, and it can last for a long time. My worst flare-ups are often spurred by the drama of work stress or anxiety. I often find that if I am too distracted and unable to expend my energy through working out (or dancing my way through a 4-day music festival), I hold on to that physical stress energy, and it feels much harder for me to win the mental battle of "don't scratch".
Eczema-Length Nails
My nails betray me particularly at night, so I tend to keep them short, and perfectly rounded. No specific measurements here, I just a trim enough to keep my skin from mistaking my nails for enemy claws. And if it's not perfectly round, I will pick at my nails, leaving divots aka more irritation to attack my eczema with.
Eczema-Length Hair
I love having long hair, but my back doesn't! During hot summers and dry winters, I have to keep my hair length a bit shorter, just below the height of where my girlies land ;) otherwise I'll end up with back eczema, which I've found is the hardest for me to finagle safe-for-work outfits around.
Rubbing My Knuckles
Not sure if this is just me - when I'm stressed, I have this habit of rubbing my knuckles (or I'll snap my fingers or pinch the sides of books and tables with the same amount pressure but that's another story for another day). My knuckles would end up being itchy, uncomfortable and incredibly taut and thick.
Weightlifting with Chalk
Who knew something as simple as gym chalk could turn into a bit of skin drama? Initially, it seemed like the perfect solution for a better grip during those heavy lifts. But, surprise, surprise - it also brought along an unwanted guest: itchy skin. I decided it was time to part ways with the chalk, and my hands have been much happier since.
Cotton Bras (at least the ones I currently have)
In my search for the ultimate comfy bra, I thought cotton would be the answer. But, as it turns out, not all cotton bras are created equal. The ones I found had bands that were just too tight. I haven't thrown them out yet, but I never wear them. Instead, I discovered FP Movement's Good Karma Square-Neck Bra which has been a game-changer. Finally, a bra that lets my skin breathe easy and stays comfortable all day.
Exfoliants and Loofahs
Jumping on the exfoliation bandwagon seemed like a no-brainer. Loofahs and scrubs were everywhere, promising smoother skin and a cleaner feel. But for me, they ended up being more irritating than invigorating. I've opted to use gentler bar soaps made with oat, honey, and goat's milk.
Hot and Frequent Showers
I love a hot shower. But, when my skin started throwing a fit with every steam session, I knew something had to give. When I first heard the suggestion to shower every other day with lukewarm water, I really didn't want to try it. I eased into showering every other day - that was something I could commit to. I approached water temperature like a choose-your-own-adventure. For many years, I would take hot showers unless I had a flare-up. Nowadays, I'll indulge in a hot shower, but sparingly. I've also upped my moisturizing game to keep my skin happy from head to toe.
My Period
Now, I was always a bit of a high-anxiety girlie when it came to my period. I would sleep with a pad, in a pair of gym shorts, on top of a towel, on top of my mattress. Without fail, I would always get itchy. Making the switch from pads and tampons to Thinx products really helped tone down the itchiness, even if it didn't completely solve the problem.
I hope this list helps! Go kick eczema's a**!!!!
♥,
