If you live with eczema, you've probably asked yourself: what causes eczema flare ups in adults? Sometimes the answer feels obvious (that wool sweater, that cleaning spray). Other times, it sneaks up out of nowhere.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is never just one thing. Genetics lay the foundation, but everyday surroundings—your home, your city, your stress levels—decide when skin will act up. Understanding those environmental triggers can make the difference between mild irritation and a full-blown flare.
This guide explores how the world around you affects eczema, why some triggers are impossible to avoid, and what a personal eczema flare up triggers list might look like. We'll also touch on modern challenges like pollution, stress, and climate change, which are shaping how eczema shows up today.
Eczema: A Condition Shaped by Genes and Environment
Eczema develops when a genetic predisposition meets external exposures. If the skin barrier is already fragile, things in the environment can tip it over the edge.
If you're curious about the hereditary side, read our article on Atopic dermatitis & genetics. Genes set the stage. But the environment often decides when the spotlight turns on.
For a bigger picture of both inherited and external influences, visit our Causes & Triggers hub.
What Causes Eczema Flare Ups in Adults?
For adults, flare-ups often come when the skin barrier—already delicate—is pushed past its limit. A flare can feel like:
- Red, itchy patches that won't quit
- Scaling and dryness that don't improve with moisturizer
- Cracking or oozing during severe phases
The usual suspects? Irritants, allergens, climate, pollution, and stress. Adults often juggle several triggers at once, which makes the pattern harder to track.
Eczema Flare Up Triggers List
Every person's eczema has its own rhythm, but here's a helpful starting point.
1. Irritants
Everyday products can be surprisingly harsh:
- Soaps, detergents, and body washes with strong surfactants
- Fragrance in lotions, perfumes, or even candles
- Cleaning products with bleach or chemicals
- Rough fabrics like wool
2. Allergens
Sometimes it's not what touches your skin, but what floats around you:
- Dust mites tucked into bedding
- Pet dander in carpets and clothes
- Pollen that changes with the seasons
- Mold spores in damp rooms
3. Climate and Weather
Weather shifts often show up on skin. Learn more in our piece on Climate (humid vs dry).
- Cold, dry air strips away moisture
- Hot, humid days bring sweat and salt
- Seasonal transitions feel especially hard on sensitive skin
4. Pollution
Can pollution cause eczema? More and more research says yes.
- Nitrogen dioxide, smoke, and fine particles weaken the barrier
- Pollutants create oxidative stress, which fuels inflammation
- Cities with heavy smog report more severe eczema cases
5. Stress
Skin and emotions are tangled together. See our guide on Stress & eczema.
- Cortisol (the stress hormone) disrupts barrier repair
- Stress robs sleep, which slows skin healing
- Many adults find stress is a near-constant trigger
6. Lifestyle Habits
Sometimes it's the little routines that quietly add up:
- Long, hot showers that strip skin oils
- Frequent handwashing without follow-up moisturizer
- Overuse of antibacterial soaps
- Jobs with constant exposure (nurses, hairdressers, cleaners)
Can Pollution Cause Eczema?
This is one of today's biggest skin questions. Can pollution cause eczema—or just make it worse? The evidence points to both.
- Studies show higher eczema rates in polluted cities.
- Pollutants like diesel exhaust can penetrate skin and spark inflammation.
- Even children without a strong family history are more likely to develop eczema if they grow up in high-pollution areas.
You can't avoid pollution entirely, but you can build small rituals to protect your skin: Moisturize morning and night, shower after long outdoor exposure, and use air filters indoors if possible.
Climate: A Double-Edged Sword
Climate influences eczema in opposite ways. Some people flare in winter dryness, others in summer humidity.
- Dry climates: Skin loses water faster, itch and scaling worsen.
- Humid climates: Heat and sweat can irritate, sometimes leading to infection.
Explore our article on Climate (humid vs dry) for a deeper look at why skin reacts differently in different environments.
Stress: The Silent Trigger
Stress doesn't float in the air like pollen or smog, but it may be the most consistent trigger of all. Work deadlines, exams, life changes—skin often reacts in step.
Visit our article on Stress & eczema for ways to break this cycle.
Practical Tips for Reducing Environmental Flares
You can't control every trigger. But you can soften their impact.
- Choose fragrance-free, gentle skincare.
- Moisturize multiple times a day—especially after washing.
- Wear cotton or silk instead of wool or synthetics.
- Use a humidifier in dry climates, and clean often to reduce dust.
- Take lukewarm showers, then seal in water with emollient.
- Practice small stress relievers—stretching, meditation, walks.
Strawberry's fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formulas help strengthen your skin's defense against environmental triggers.
Conclusion
Understanding what causes eczema flare ups in adults is about spotting patterns in your own life. For some, it's dry winter air. For others, it's stress at work or a city's pollution. A personalized eczema flare up triggers list can help you connect the dots.
While we can't change our genes, we can take steps to reduce the environment's impact. Paying attention to climate, stress, and even daily habits puts some of the control back in your hands.
Eczema will always be shaped by both inside (genetics) and outside (environment) factors. But the more you understand your skin's unique triggers, the more you can create space for comfort and calm.
Dermatologist-tested • Fragrance-free • Made for sensitive, eczema-prone skin
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and isn't medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for concerns about eczema or environmental triggers.