How can you prevent eczema flare ups?

Eczema is most common in babies and young children, often appearing in the first year of life. Many children outgrow it, but not always. There’s also a second smaller peak in older adults, with new cases often appearing after age 50-60.

Boys are slightly more likely to have eczema during infancy. After early childhood, girls and women are more likely to develop eczema and experience flare ups. With age, rates between men and women even out again.

People from Asian and Black ethnic backgrounds have a higher risk of eczema compared to those from White backgrounds. Genetic differences in the skin barrier and inflammatory pathways could be the reason for this.

Living in a city or urban area increases the risk of eczema. Higher levels of air pollution, indoor heating, and closer contact with irritants like cleaning chemicals can all trigger eczema. People from lower-income backgrounds may also experience more eczema during adulthood. In infancy though, eczema was slightly more common in those from wealthier backgrounds.

Sudden drops in temperature, cold dry air, and harsh winter weather can cause eczema flare ups. Low humidity dries out the skin, while heat and sweat can also irritate it. Living in areas with extreme seasonal changes can make eczema harder to manage.

If you have allergies like hay fever, asthma, or food allergies, you’re more likely to develop eczema. These conditions are all part of what doctors call the "atopic triad" - they often go hand in hand because of the way the immune system reacts to everyday triggers.

A family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies increases your risk. Some people have a mutation in the filaggrin (FLG) gene, which helps protect the skin’s barrier. When this barrier doesn’t work properly, it’s easier for irritants, allergens, and microbes to get in, which is a contributing factor of eczema.