irritants are substances that directly affect the skin and when used in high enough concentrations with long enough contact cause the skin to become red and itchy or to burn. specific irritants affect people with atopic dermatitis to different degrees. over time many patients and their families learn to identify the irritants that are most troublesome to them. for example wool or synthetic fibers may affect some patients. rough or poorly fitting clothing can rub the skin trigger inflammation and prompt the beginning of the itch-scratch cycle. soaps and detergents may have a drying effect and worsen itching and some perfumes and cosmetics may irritate the skin. exposure to certain elements (such as chlorine mineral oil or solvents) or irritants (such as dust or sand) may also aggravate the condition. cigarette smoke may irritate the eyelids. because irritants vary from one person to another each person has to determine for himself or herself what substances or circumstances cause the disease to flare. common irritants wool or synthetic fibers soaps and detergents some perfumes and cosmetics substances such as chlorine mineral oil or solvents dust or sand dust mites cigarette smoke animal fur or dander flowers and pollen
what are skin irritants in patients with atopic dermatitis?