What are environmental triggers?
Skin conditions can be triggered be many environmental irritants which include house dust mite, pets, and pollen, moulds, central heating and humidity and laundry and cleaning products. It is impossible to eliminate all triggers, you can reduce and minimise triggers by applying simple measures.
How to reduce house dust mites?
House dust mites are one of the biggest triggers in eczema and other skin conditions, they are tiny insects that feed on dead skin, which we shed and are found inside mattresses, pillows, duvets, upholstered furniture and carpets.
You can reduce the amount of dust mites in your home by: vacuuming carpets regularly- daily if possible. Vacuum mattresses, pillows and covers at least twice a week. Damp dust surfaces and floors on a regular basis. Avoid dry dusting, as this can spread dust into the air. Wash bed linen weekly on high temperature and wash curtains every 2-3 months. Limit soft toys, have one special soft toy in the bed and wash this regularly on a high temperature or put in a plastic bag and put in the freezer overnight to kill off the dust mites. Concentrate on areas you spend most of your time in such as bedroom and sitting room.
How to reduce irritation by pets?
It’s not pet fur that causes an allergic reaction. Instead, its flakes of their dead skin, saliva and dried urine. You can try these measures if you cannot permanently remove a pet from the house by:
- Keeping pets outside the house as much as possible.
- Not allowing pets into bedrooms.
- Washing pets regularly.
- Opening windows to increase ventilation.
How to reduce the impact of pollen?
Pollen allergies, more commonly known as hay fever, are caused when trees and grasses release pollen into the air. Typically, people are affected during spring (trees) and summer (grasses).
To help keep this under control you could:
- When pollen count is high avoid drying clothes outside.
- Keep doors and windows shut where possible.
- Shower and change clothes from being outside.
- Avoid grassy areas, such as parks and fields, particularly in the early morning, evening or night, when the pollen count is highest.
How to reduce mould?
Tiny particles released by moulds can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
You can prevent this by:
- Dealing with any damp and condensation in your home.
- Keeping your home dry and well ventilated.
- Not storing clothes in damp cupboards.
- Removing any indoor pot plants from your home.
How to reduce the impact of central heating?
Central heating reduces humidity and dries the skin, making it itchy.
You could control this by:
- Keeping your house at a comfortable temperature of 18oc.
- Hydrate your skin by applying moisturisers or emollient often when in the house.
How to reduce the impact of laundry and cleaning products?
People with eczema should take special care with the items that come into direct contact with their skin. For most people fragrances (perfumes), dyes, and detergents are what cause skin reactions.
To help keep this under control you could:
- Use non bio washing powder when washing clothes.
- Use your washing machine’s second or “extra rinse” setting if it has one.
Useful sources of information
British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)
DermNet NZ
For Further Information
Medicines Information Patient Helpline:
Tel: 0191 282 3016. Available 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). This helpline is available for patients of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, to answer any questions they may have regarding their medicines.
Dermatology:
Tel: 0191 282 0098. Available 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
Out-of-hours Advice:
Contact NHS 111 or visit your nearest NHS Walk-in Centre.
