Triggers vary as much as the individuals affected by them. Fragrances, harsh soaps, detergents, sweat, weather changes, stress, allergens, certain fabrics, and skincare products may all irritate eczema-prone skin.

Some patients also flare after exposure to harsh materials in the workplace, frequent handwashing, or contact with certain metals, plants, adhesives, or hair products.

Our team helps you look for patterns instead of guessing.

Your exact treatment process depends on the type, severity, location, and cause of your rash. 

Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Mendes, may recommend topical steroids, non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication, systemic treatments, barrier-repair moisturizers, gentle cleansers, itch control, or other changes to your skincare routine.

For recurring or unclear cases, she may discuss testing or a biopsy. And for widespread or difficult to control eczema, she can review additional options and help you understand which strategies fit your symptoms.

Some flares improve soon after you remove triggers and reduce irritation. Other changes to cases represent a chronic condition and need ongoing management. However, that does not mean you have to live with constant itching or irritation.

When treating eczema in Chapel Hill, our team focuses on both flare treatment and prevention. We provide personalized guidance on how to support your skin barrier, reduce irritation, and recognize early signs of a flare before symptoms become overwhelming.

Avoid products that sting, burn, or leave your skin feeling tight. Fragrances, exfoliating acids, retinoids, scrubs, and harsh cleansers can make inflamed skin more reactive. Hot showers may also worsen dryness and itching.

During a flare, use gentle products and avoid testing new skincare unless our team recommends it. 

DeeTox can help you identify which habits support your skin and which ones make irritation harder to control.