Other Factors
There are too many potential causes of eczema to name individually. Allergens, foods, chemicals, and clothing are all to blame. There is a final category of eczema causes that do not by way of contact with the skin.
The impact of weather
Of the four seasons, winter is the worse for eczema. One of the reasons for this is winter’s typical dryness. Lack of moisture in the air can quickly dry out the skin. Often, the winter months are times of bundling up in wool and other heavy clothing, which may also produce eczema.
The power of the mind
The mind is amazingly powerful. The state of your mind affects the health of your body. Sustained periods of stress may produce all kind of adverse health effects, including eczema. Anxiety or nervousness will also affect your body in negative ways.
Hormonal effects
Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body. They tell your body when to grow, when to get excited, and how to metabolize food. Sudden hormonal releases may produce eczema. Some women find that eczema flares up during their monthly period, during which hormonal activity is especially high. Others who suffer from thyroid complications (which affects hormone levels) may also experience more eczema.
Too much washing
Too much washing of one’s body, especially with alcohol, astringents, or harsh cleaners, may leave the skin damaged and dry—not cleaner. Affecting the skin in such a way is often accompanied by an outbreak in eczema. Be kind to your skin, and gently wash with mild soap and water. And please don’t scrub too hard.