Irritants and allergens can make atopic dermatitis worse.
Irritants are things that may cause the skin to be red and itchy or to burn. They include:
- Wool or man-made fibers
- Soaps and cleaners
- Some perfumes and makeup
- Substances such as chlorine, mineral oil, or solvents
- Dust or sand
- Cigarette smoke.
Allergens are allergy-causing substances from foods, plants, animals, or the air. Common allergens are:
- Eggs, peanuts, milk, fish, soy products, and wheat
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Pollen
- Dog or cat dander.
Stress, anger, and frustration can make atopic dermatitis worse, but they haven't been shown to cause it. Skin infections, temperature, and climate can also lead to skin flares. Other things that can lead to flares are:
- Not using enough moisturizer after a bath
- Low humidity in winter
- Dry year-round climate
- Long or hot baths and showers
- Going from sweating to being chilled
- Bacterial infections.