By Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, FAAD, FAACS | Art of Skin MD
Eczema can feel unpredictable — calm one week, inflamed the next — and the triggers are often hiding in plain sight. I was recently asked by EatingWell to weigh in on the everyday habits that quietly make eczema worse, and the piece was picked up across MSN, Yahoo Health, and AOL. Because this is one of the most common frustrations my patients describe, I want to expand on it here, in one place, with a practical, barrier-first approach you can actually use.
1. Stress is one of the best-known eczema triggers:
“When we’re stressed, the body releases inflammatory chemicals that can weaken the skin barrier and make skin more reactive,” as I told EatingWell. That often shows up as more itching, redness, and dryness — and it becomes a loop: “Eczema itself can become stressful, so people often get stuck in this cycle where stress worsens the eczema, and the eczema worsens the stress.” Stress-relieving habits like breathing exercises, movement, and meditation can genuinely help calm both.
2. The clothing against your skin matters:
“Clothing is one of those everyday triggers people don’t always think about,” I noted. Rough or heat-trapping fabrics — wool and some synthetic blends — increase friction and can worsen flares. Soft, breathable materials like 100% cotton or mulberry silk are kinder to reactive skin.
3. Doing too much to your skin:
This is the one I see most. “A lot of people with eczema don’t realize they’re doing too much to their skin,” I shared. “They’re trying every trending product they see online, over-exfoliating or layering strong active ingredients onto already irritated skin.” When the barrier is weakened, moisture escapes and irritants get in more easily. “Eczema-prone skin usually responds better to a very simple, consistent routine focused on barrier support,” I explained — “gentle cleanser, fragrance-free moisturizer, lukewarm water, and avoiding harsh scrubs or aggressive acids goes a long way.”
4. Poor sleep feeds the flare
Eczema and sleep run in both directions: flares disrupt sleep, and “the lack of sleep can then make the skin even more inflamed and reactive the next day.” Protecting your sleep is part of protecting your skin.
A few more things I tell my patients:
- Be consistent, not reactive: “I always tell patients not to wait until their skin is flaring to start taking care of it. Daily barrier support really matters, even when the skin looks relatively calm.”
- Skip long, hot showers: “Hot water strips away the oils that help protect the skin barrier.”
- Work with an expert: “A lot of people spend years self-treating with random products they find online, when in reality eczema can be very complex and individualized. Working with a board-certified dermatologist can help identify triggers, strengthen the skin barrier, and create a treatment plan that’s actually tailored to your skin and lifestyle.”
Frequently asked questions:
What everyday habits make eczema worse?
High stress, irritating fabrics (wool and some synthetics), over-doing your skincare, and poor sleep are four common, often-overlooked contributors.
What is the best skincare routine for eczema?
A simple, consistent, barrier-first routine: a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, lukewarm (not hot) water, and avoiding harsh scrubs and strong acids.
When should I see a dermatologist for eczema?
If you’ve been self-treating without lasting relief. Eczema is individualized, and a board-certified dermatologist can identify your triggers and build a plan tailored to your skin.
