Fatty foods and alcohol can trigger eczema flare-ups at Christmas

Dealing with eczema can be uncomfortable and unpleasant at the best of times, but the festive season is full of triggers that may exacerbate the skin condition and making life decidedly un-merry.

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. It can vary in severity, from small patches of dry skin to widespread inflamed skin all over the body, according to the NHS.

Lauren Bell, an eczema sufferer who founded Cosi Care - a brand that produces itch relief products - says she often sees her eczema flare up during the Christmas period for a number of reasons.

“Normal life goes out the window in December,” she says. “These are the stresses of preparing for Christmas, we eat more rich food and often drink more alcohol than normal. All these can be triggers for people.

“If you know you’re likely to get a reaction, then think about the techniques that work for you. That could be using a different cream on your body to stop it feeling itchy, or using a Cosi Care roller or star on your skin to stop you from scratching and breaking the skin.”

Bell adds: “Christmas is for enjoying so don’t let your allergies or skin triggers stop you - but do find a way to manage them that works for you.”

Look out for these potential eczema triggers this Christmas:

Pets

If you have pet allergies, being around a pet may trigger an eczema flare up. If you’re visiting a home you’re unfamiliar with, check if there will be pets.

If you have mild symptoms, you may be able to manage them, Bell says, but if they are more severe, you may have to make alternative arrangements to meet somewhere else without the pet.

Dust

Dust is a common trigger for allergies, eczema and other skin irritations. It might be difficult to avoid dusty homes as you visit friends and family, so Bell advises thinking about preventive measures you can take and what you need to do when you get back home to soothe your skin.

Stress

Christmas can be a stressful time for most people, but it can trigger itchy skin. Take time for self-care, such as soaking in a bath, or whatever helps you relax and destress.

Fatty foods

Indulging in rich foods is one of the best parts of Christmas, but they can also be the source of eczema flare-ups and other skin irritations.

Bell warns that things like dairy, nuts, eggs and shellfish can lead to itchy skin, so always check ingredients if you have severe reactions.

Alcohol

Some eczema sufferers may find that alcohol triggers itchy, dry skin. It’s best to avoid certain alcohols if they are to blame, and if you do drink, take it easy and keep an eye on how you’re feeling.

Heating

Many people keep their heating on over Christmas, which may lead to dry skin that gets irritated. This is because heat dries the air and causes the skin to lose moisture.

To combat this, increase the amount of moisturiser you use to alleviate symptoms, Bell recommends.

Christmas trees

Christmas trees, particularly real ones, may have natural oils, mould build-ups and pollen that can irritate the skin and cause a flare-up.

A better solution may be to opt for an artificial tree instead - however, experts suggest cleaning artificial trees if they’ve been in storage throughout the year as they can also collect dust and mould.

Read more about health and wellness at Christmas:

• How to avoid a post-Christmas crash and look after your mental health (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)

• The best and worst foods to eat this Christmas for your gut health (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)

• Doctor reveals the festive habits ageing your skin (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)