 [ Symptoms ] what are triggers for eczema and how can i treat itching and inflammation [ Disease ] eczema is a catch all term for inflamed itchy raw cracked and peeling skin eczema is usually genetic – if one of your parents has it chances are you and your children will too the list of triggers is very very long  prolonged or hot baths since anything that dries the skin can set the inflammation process going that includes hot tubs and saunas  deodorant soaps perfumed soaps and body washes   anything abrasive such as grainy body scrubs and even loofahs   fragranced moisturizers or anything that contains lactic acid salicylic acid or glycolic acid   wool clothes or elastics because the pressure point can start the itchscratch cycle   detergents and fabric softeners   food allergies or sensitivities – the most common are eggs dairy corn grains yeast artificial sweeteners and soy   airborne allergens such as dust and pollen   dry and heated environments this is one reason why eczema is usually worse in winter   cold windy weather babies and children suffer the most from eczema and should be seen by a doctor promptly for babies and small children the first step is washing with the mildest possible cleanser and making sure that baths are as quick as possible then while the skin is still damp moisturize it with a heavy protective product steroids are the very last resort for small children and i do not like to use them at all in babies some children are lucky enough to outgrow eczema usually by the age of five others unfortunately will be lifelong sufferers for adults antihistamines can help even the over the counter ones topical steroids will calm the itch and reduce the inflammation but should be used with caution since prolonged use can thin the skin permanently protopic and elidel are the big guns but not everybody tolerates them well and they have serious potential side effects for people with eczema it is crucial to avoid triggers and otherwise take precautions every day wear light comfortable clothing made from cotton silk or linen bed linens should be 100 cotton or satin when doing laundry use only hypoallergenic detergent put clothes through the rinse cycle twice to get rid of any trace of detergent and use tennis balls in the dryer instead of dryer sheets