What Causes Eczema? 7 Common Triggers & Natural Relief
The Truth About Eczema Triggers and Natural Relief
If we've been asked once, it's been a million times:
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What causes eczema?
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Will my child grow out of it?
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Is there a cure?
As the parents of a little girl with eczema, we get it! And we've asked the same questions. When our daughter's eczema first appeared, we wanted a simple answer. But here's the truth: there aren't many. For example, doctors don't have one clear cause for eczema. Instead, eczema seems to result from a mix of factors, including genetics, immune system sensitivity, and how our skin protects itself from the environment.
What we do know is that there are everyday triggers that can make eczema worse. Once you identify them, you can start protecting your skin (and your peace) naturally. Check out 7 everyday factors that can make eczema worse and how to naturally calm it.
1. Dry Air and Harsh Weather
Eczema and dry air do not get along. Cold or windy weather, low humidity, and indoor heating all rob your skin of moisture. And once your skin barrier dries out, irritation sets in.
How to Naturally Prevent Dry Air from Worsening Eczema?
Hydrate from the inside out. Drink water throughout the day and lock in moisture right after you bathe with a rich, plant-based balm. Our Natural Eczema Balm was made for precisely this, sealing in hydration and soothing the itch before it starts.
2. Fragrance and Hidden Irritants
Even "gentle" soaps and laundry detergents can hide harsh ingredients. Synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and alcohols strip your skin barrier, leaving it vulnerable to flare-ups. That's why we still use unscented laundry detergent on our 6-year-old daughter's clothes and are extremely cautious of anything with a nondescript "fragrance" on the label.
How to Prevent Fragrances from Triggering Eczema?
This is easy: go fragrance-free. Read every label like your skin depends on it…because it does. Look for short ingredient lists and natural oils that your skin can recognize and absorb. It's important to understand that not all aromas are “bad.” In fact, many natural botanical extracts smell amazing and offer helpful benefits for the skin. However, everyone's skin is different, and you have to find what's best for you or your child's eczema.
3. Stress (Yes, It's a Real Trigger)
Have you ever gotten on your mother's or your grandmother's nerves so bad that their scalp started itching? While this may not be the same thing, stress can trigger eczema flare-ups.
Stress can cause eczema flare-ups by releasing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation.
How to Prevent Stress-Related Eczema?
Sometimes, stress is unavoidable. And in those situations, it's critical to have steps in place to alleviate it without visiting your local jail. Practice calm as much as care. Deep breathing, stretching, prayer, or even a warm cup of tea before bed can make a difference. You can't always avoid stress, but you can help your body respond differently to it.
4. Hot Baths and Showers
Yes…that long, steaming shower feels good, but it may not be suitable for you! Hot water strips your skin's natural oils and damages the outer layer that's supposed to retain moisture. This can be especially problematic if you have eczema.
Warm Water Is Better for Eczema
Go warm, not hot. Limit showers to 10 minutes or less and moisturize immediately after, while your skin is still damp. That's the moment your balm can truly seal in hydration.
5. Rough Fabrics and Tight Clothing
Wool, synthetics, and tight clothes can irritate eczema-prone skin just by rubbing against it. For kids, that means itchy, tantrum-prone behavior. For adults, it's just another reason to dread getting dressed.
Softer, Loose Fabrics Are Better for Eczema
Stick with soft, breathable cotton or bamboo fabrics. Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove chemical residues. And avoid dryer sheets — they're often loaded with skin irritants.
6. Sweat and Heat
We love a good workout, but trapped sweat is a sneaky eczema trigger. When sweat sits on the skin, it can increase irritation and dryness, especially around joints, the neck, and the back.
Prevent Stress and Heat from Causing Eczema Flare-Ups
After exercising, gently rinse off and apply a natural moisturizer right away. Choose breathable layers that let your skin cool down instead of trapping heat.
7. Food and Environmental Allergens
Sometimes flare-ups have less to do with what's on your skin and more to do with what's around it or in your diet. Dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts are common culprits, and so are dust mites and pollen.
Know Your Triggers & Avoid Them
Keep a simple "skin diary." Note what you ate, where you were, and what products you used when flare-ups appear. Over time, you'll start seeing patterns, and that's power.
Common Questions We Hear All the Time
Q: Will my child grow out of eczema?
Many kids do, especially as their immune systems mature. For others, eczema becomes more manageable with time and consistent care.
Q: Is there a cure?
There's no permanent cure yet, but that doesn't mean you're powerless. Daily routines and natural, nourishing products can make a world of difference.
Q: Can natural ingredients really help?
Yes! The right natural ingredients can definitely help eczema. Butters and oils like shea, mango, and jojoba oil strengthen your skin barrier naturally and soothe inflammation without harsh chemicals. That's why they're the foundation of everything we make.
Protect Your Skin with Butter by Q's Eczema Balm
Eczema might not have a single cause, but that doesn't mean you have to live at its mercy. By learning your triggers and using gentle, natural care, you can calm your skin and reclaim your confidence.
We started Butter by Q for families who've been there, tired of guessing, tired of chemicals, and ready for real relief. If you’re ready for relief, check out our all-natural Eczema Balm.
Meet the Founders
