What Causes Eczema Flares?

On this page: What triggers eczema flares? Does weather affect eczema? Can stress cause eczema flares? Does diet matter for eczema? Why is eczema worse in winter? Can eczema be cured?

What triggers eczema flares?

Common eczema triggers include dry air, cold weather, hot showers, sweat, fragranced skincare or laundry detergents, wool and synthetic fabrics, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods that vary by person, stress, and hormonal changes. Triggers are highly individual. What causes a flare for one person may not affect another. Keeping a flare journal for four to six weeks, noting weather, foods, products used, and stress level, can help you identify your personal triggers.

Does weather affect eczema?

Yes. Cold, dry winter air is the most common weather trigger. It strips moisture from already-compromised skin barriers. Indoor heating compounds the problem. Hot, humid summer weather can also trigger flares through sweat and increased exposure to environmental allergens. Sudden temperature changes, like going from a heated home to cold outside, can shock sensitive skin. Eczema searches consistently spike in fall and winter for this reason.

Can stress cause eczema flares?

Yes. Stress is a well-documented eczema trigger. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol and other inflammatory mediators that can worsen the immune dysregulation underlying eczema. Many patients notice flares during exam periods, work deadlines, major life events, or after poor sleep. Stress management through sleep, exercise, and mindfulness is part of comprehensive eczema care, alongside topical treatment.

Does diet matter for eczema?

Sometimes. A small percentage of eczema patients, particularly young children, have specific food allergies that trigger or worsen flares. The most common culprits are milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, and wheat. For most adults, diet is not a primary driver. The American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Pediatrics generally recommend against eliminating foods without medical guidance, as restrictive diets can cause nutritional deficiencies and may not improve eczema. If you suspect a food trigger, see an allergist for proper testing rather than experimenting on your own.

Why is eczema worse in winter?

Three reasons. First, cold outdoor air holds less moisture, so it dries skin. Second, indoor heating reduces humidity even further. Third, hot showers, more common in winter, strip the skin's natural oils. The combination disrupts the already-fragile skin barrier in eczema patients, leading to more frequent flares. Winter eczema management focuses on shorter, lukewarm showers, immediate moisturizing after bathing, humidifiers indoors, and switching to richer, more occlusive moisturizers.

Can eczema be cured?

There is no permanent cure for eczema, but it can be managed effectively. Many children outgrow it. Adults can often achieve long stretches of clear skin through consistent skincare, trigger avoidance, and appropriate treatment during flares. Research into the underlying immune mechanisms is active, with several biologic and small-molecule treatments approved in the past decade. The goal of current eczema care is symptom control and flare prevention, not cure.

 

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The information on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are concerned about your skin or your child's, please talk to a doctor.