What are the allergens that cause eczema?

Generally, eczema flare-ups are often associated with exposure to or ingestion of specific allergens. Common allergens mainly include food, inhalant, contact, animal, and microbial allergens. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Food-related: Milk, eggs, seafood, nuts, mangoes, and pineapples are common triggers. The proteins or specific components in these foods may be misidentified by the immune system as harmful substances, triggering immune reactions that lead to eczema symptoms such as skin redness, papules, and itching.

2. Inhalants: Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander in the air can easily trigger eczema. Once inhaled, these substances stimulate the immune system and indirectly affect skin condition, inducing or worsening eczema.

3. Contact allergens: Direct skin contact with metals, cosmetics containing fragrances and preservatives, detergents containing surfactants, rubber products such as latex gloves may damage the skin barrier, triggering localized immune reactions and eczema symptoms.

4. Animal-related: In addition to pet dander, animal fur, saliva, and urine also contain allergenic components. For example, cat saliva contains specific proteins. After cats groom their fur, these proteins adhere to the fur and spread, potentially inducing eczema upon contact, manifesting as skin itching, swelling, and exudation.

5. Microbes: Microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus are associated with eczema flare-ups. These bacteria commonly reside on the skin surface and can multiply rapidly when the skin barrier is compromised. Their metabolic byproducts irritate the skin, triggering inflammatory reactions that worsen eczema and lead to symptoms such as pustules and crusting.

In daily life, it is important to avoid known allergens, maintain clean and moisturized skin, choose mild clothing and skincare products, reduce eczema flare-ups, and promote overall skin health.