“People who have eczema are much more susceptible to irritation from things that they can commonly come into contact with, which could be as simple as water,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep these potential triggers to a minimum in every room of your home. But try not to go overboard with heating your home. “Winter is a very common time for people to experience dryness, not just because of the cold weather outside, but also because when we’re inside and we put on the high heat, that can actually be drying on the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. A humidifier can help when your house gets too dry, even though there isn’t scientific evidence that it can help eczema, according to the NEA. Try to keep the humidity level at about 50 percent and the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees F, Garshick says.
Eczema-Proof Your Bedroom and Closet
Potential eczema triggers in your bedroom are mainly on the bed itself, as mattresses and bedsheets can collect dust mites, which can irritate your skin. To cut down on dust mites, it’s a good idea to encase your mattress in a dust mite–proof cover and regularly wash your sheets in hot water. Importantly, you don’t want to use a heavy-duty detergent or one with harsh chemicals. For both bedding and clothes, opt for a gentle detergent — one free of dyes and scents — that’s good for sensitive skin, says Garshick. Be sure to prewash new sheets before use. In addition, some types of fabric can irritate your skin, particularly wool and synthetic fabrics. Try to wear cotton clothes whenever possible and choose white or undyed sheets.
Eczema-Proof Your Kitchen
Although it’s good to avoid harsh cleaners, you still need to keep your home clean, especially in areas that can get dirty fast, such as the kitchen. That’s why Garshick recommends wearing gloves when you’re doing dishes or cleaning. “You don’t necessarily need to worry about the product itself; it’s just making sure you’re protecting the skin that would come into contact with products,” Garshick says. She also suggests keeping moisturizer by the sink so if you wash your hands prior to cooking or other activities, you remember to also moisturize your skin. Moisturizing helps prevent frequent washing from irritating skin. Aim for short, lukewarm showers. It’s also important to use the right kinds of products when showering. Skip harsh soaps and abrasive scrubs. “Make sure you’re looking for products that are designed for sensitive skin or eczema-prone skin,” says Garshick. After you’ve showered, apply a layer of moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
Eczema-Proof Your Living Room
Dust mites are one of the biggest eczema triggers lurking in the living room. Routine vacuuming and dusting can help, as can investing in easy-to-clean fabrics or covers for your furniture. “If you have a couch, make sure that the fabric is less likely to collect dust and that it’s easily cleaned,” says Garshick. That also goes for other fabrics in the room, such as rugs and curtains.
Eczema-Proof Your Backyard
If you have a front yard or backyard, it’s good to have access to shade to avoid the sun. Make a habit of wearing sunscreen when you go outside — look for products that have the NEA’s Seal of Acceptance — and consider putting up umbrellas for shade. “If eczema spots get some sun exposure, sometimes they can be more likely to leave a little mark behind,” which is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, says Garshick.
The Importance of Eczema Treatment
If you follow all of these steps but still consistently experience eczema flare-ups in your home, be sure to see your dermatologist. They can do patch testing on your skin to see if you’re allergic to common ingredients found in household products. All of these measures can help you avoid triggering your eczema at home. It’s also key to follow your eczema treatment plan or, if you don’t have one, see a dermatologist. “If the eczema is already active, it’s important to treat it,” says Garshick. That means moisturizing and using any topical or other treatments you’re prescribed. “Avoidance of triggers is just one important part of managing eczema.”
