What are the most common causes of eczema?

Actual cause of eczema is yet unknown. It is believed by researchers that combination and mutation of genes, over-reactive immune system and various environmental factors can be responsible for the occurrence of eczema. Following are few known causes:

• Irritants: Everyday products including soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, juices, meats or vegetables even can cause bit burn or itching to your skin. Some other irritants include certain fabrics, fragrances, antibacterial contents, leather dyes etc.
• Stress: Emotional stress is known to trigger eczema. This is not a direct cause but can make symptoms worse and flare-up the skin.
• Climate and sweating: When people experience prickly heat due to too much of hotness or sweating itchiness of eczema can intensify. Similarly, during cold winters skin becomes dry and cracked which introduces irritation and eczema. Too hot or too cold both the climates increase tendency of eczema to occur.
• Infection: Bacteria, fungus and viruses present in the environment can infect your eczema. Therefore it is very necessary to know about these infections and their causes to keep eczema away from getting worse.
• Allergens: Some of the common allergens are seasonal pollen, dust mites, pet dander from cats and dogs, mould and dandruff. Allergens can make eczema critical, if these are not treated for long time can worsen eczema and have ability to bring it back.
• Hormones: Immune system stimulates glands to secrete hormones which if are produced in greater or lesser amount can flare-up the eczema.
• Food: Citrus fruits, dairy or milk products, soya, gluten or wheat, eggs and sort of spices (cloves and cinnamon) are few examples of food products associated with food allergies which can cause or worsen eczema.