Stress causes a spike in the hormone cortisol, which can lead to flares for people with eczema. Avoiding stress and other triggers may help reduce flares.

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, can be a bothersome condition, especially due to the many triggers that can cause an outbreak of red, itchy rashes.

Dry weather, household chemicals in shampoo or body wash, and allergens in the air can all cause eczema to flare up.

Stress, one of the most common eczema triggers, can be more difficult to manage because you may be unable to regulate your source of stress, or you may not know that you’re stressed. This is especially true when it’s caused by work, family, or other everyday situations that feel out of your control.

Understanding the cause of your stress and how it’s related to your eczema can help you learn how to manage it, and keep stress from causing outbreaks.

Eczema can have several root causes. In some people, eczema stems from a genetic mutation that affects your body’s ability to make a skin protein called filaggrin. Without enough of this protein, your skin can get dry easily. This makes you more susceptible to skin irritation and outbreaks. You can also get eczema from allergic reactions.

Outbreaks of eczema, as is the case with other skin conditions, can be triggered by stress. Stress causes a spike in the hormone cortisol (sometimes called the stress hormone). When your body produces high amounts of cortisol because of stress, your skin can become abnormally oily. This can then trigger an eczema outbreak.

One study from 2010 suggests that stress makes it harder for your skin to recover from irritation and skin damage. Not only does stress cause eczema, it can make eczema outbreaks last longer, leading to even more stress in a seemingly endless cycle.

Some research shows that having anxiety is a constant trigger of eczema outbreaks. Unlike stress, anxiety can be hard to control without medication. A study from 2010 suggested that having anxiety can cause somatization, in which you experience physical symptoms. An eczema outbreak is one possible type of somatization due to anxiety.

Talk with your doctor if you have constant eczema outbreaks, even when you’re not feeling stressed. If you have a family history of both eczema and anxiety or depression, you may need to address these underlying issues before you can get your eczema under control.

Allergens

Because eczema can be caused by allergic reactions, being exposed to pollution or other toxins in the air as well as chemicals in everyday products can trigger an eczema breakout. Pollen, cat and dog dander, and mold can all trigger a breakout. Food allergies, such as to wheat, eggs, or dairy products, can also trigger breakouts.

Chemicals

Using a shampoo, conditioner, or body wash with certain chemicals can also trigger a breakout. If you can pinpoint the environmental trigger of your breakouts, try to avoid those chemicals or allergens and use different cosmetics products to limit your exposure.

Smoking

Because raised levels of stress can trigger eczema, some people feel the urge to smoke a cigarette or use another tobacco product to reduce stress. But smoking can make your eczema breakouts worse, along with other negative health effects.

A 2009 study suggested that smoking 10 or more cigarettes a day makes you more susceptible to breakouts. If you’ve noticed that stress causes you to have breakouts, avoid smoking so that your breakouts aren’t as severe. Studies show that even smoking hookah (sometimes called nargile or water pipes) can trigger your eczema.

There are many preventive measures you can take to avoid eczema breakouts.

Reduce stress

First, do whatever you can to reduce your daily levels of stress:

  • Exercise for half an hour every day or so. This might include jogging, lifting weights, or other light activities. Set long-term goals so that you can gradually work fitness goals into your routine.
  • Meditate for 10 minutes or more a day.
  • Spend time with family or good friends regularly.
  • Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

Lifestyle changes

You can also make lifestyle changes to reduce your exposure to eczema triggers:

  • Go to an allergist and get tested for allergens that may be triggering your eczema. Once you learn what you’re allergic to, try to avoid exposure to these allergens as much as possible.
  • Use moisturizer at least twice a day (such as Jergens, Eucerin, or Cetaphil) to keep your skin moist and less susceptible to dryness and irritation. Using baby oil on moist skin (after a bath or shower) is also effective.
  • Take short baths or showers (10-15 minutes) in warm water. Hot water can cause your skin to dry out more easily. Use bath oils when possible to keep your skin moist.
  • Use mild body wash or soap to avoid excessive chemical exposure and drying out of your skin.
  • After a bath or shower, use a clean towel to smoothly and gradually dry your skin, or wipe the water off quickly with your hands. Use moisturizer quickly while your skin is still moist.
  • Wear clothing that allows your skin to breathe and that doesn’t rub against your skin, which can cause irritation. Avoid materials like wool.

Your doctor may prescribe you a corticosteroid or a topical calcineurin inhibitor (known as a TCI) to help relieve eczema rashes and their symptoms, such as itching and redness. Some home treatments, such as coconut oil, can also help relieve eczema symptoms and prevent further outbreaks by moisturizing your skin.

There are many different treatment options for eczema and the stress that may stem from it, including prescription medication, over-the-counter (OTC) topical or oral treatments, and phototherapy.

OTC lotions and moisturizers can help to minimize itch and symptoms. Topical steroids and other OTC topical treatments help provide short-term treatment by relieving itch and inflammation.

Prescription treatments for eczema include oral medications, anti-inflammatories, topical calcineurin inhibitors, prescription topical steroids, and more. Talk with your doctor to discuss which option is best for your treatment journey.

Atopic dermatitis treatment options »

To navigate eczema treatment, you’ll likely work with a primary care doctor and a dermatologist. If you believe stress is a factor in your eczema symptoms, talk with your doctor about the next steps. Additional options, such as counseling for stress and anxiety, might be suggested.

Your dermatologist can help make the right recommendations if you need to add to your care team.

Eczema can be difficult to avoid entirely. It can be passed down in families and triggered by factors beyond your control, especially allergens or other invisible environmental causes. But there’s plenty you can do to keep your number of outbreaks to a minimum.

Many lifestyle changes and treatments, such as moisturizers, fitness routines, and meeting with others who also have eczema, may help you manage your eczema and cope with it in a positive way. With your eczema under control, you can reduce the stress that causes you to have outbreaks and minimize the stress that results from eczema.

Home treatments and prevention for eczema »