Skin Care

Why Is Eczema Worse at Night?

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by Lydia

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While eczema is difficult enough to deal with during the day, it can become a nightmare at night. It disrupts your sleep, but it can also lead to anxiety and various health problems. This is because cortisol, your body's natural anti-inflammatory, is significantly lower during the night, leaving you without the protective effect of this hormone. Here are some of the common causes of eczema at night and the best ways to alleviate the symptoms.

Dust mites

If you have eczema, one of the most common causes is the presence of dust mites in your home. Dust mites are microscopic creatures with eight legs and a length of about a quarter of a millimeter. While they are too small to be seen by the naked eye, they look like white bugs under a microscope. Unlike other insects, dust mites are not an insect and are an arthropod.

If you have a history of eczema, it is important to see a dermatologist. This professional can provide appropriate treatment and help you prevent further outbreaks. In addition to treating the symptoms, dermatologists can prescribe treatment for the underlying cause of eczema, such as eliminating or reducing exposure to dust mites. Dust mites are not aggressive and don't bite. Instead, they feed on dead insects and skin scales to produce their tiny droppings. Their digestive enzymes help them digest the food and create their tiny droppings.

A dust mite allergy can cause symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing. These symptoms may appear similar to those associated with a cold. If these symptoms persist for more than a week, it is advisable to visit a doctor. Severe symptoms, such as nasal congestion or wheezing, should be addressed immediately. In severe cases, these symptoms may require emergency medical care.

Dry skin

Winter is an extremely drying time of year for most people. It can be extremely uncomfortable for anyone with eczema, and the cold air can make the condition's symptoms worse. To combat the effects of wintertime on the skin, make sure you moisturize your skin at least twice daily or preferably three times per day. You can also use a humidifier to help restore moisture to the air.

In addition to using moisturizers to protect the skin, try keeping a vinegar spray in your refrigerator. A teaspoon of vinegar in one quart of water will provide temporary relief. Also, avoid scratching the affected area during the night with your fingernails or thumbs. To prevent scratching, wear cotton mittens to prevent excessive scratching. A dermatologist can also suggest other remedies to help you sleep better at night.

After the shower, rehydrate the affected area with a moisturizing product. The best time to apply moisturizing cream is approximately three minutes before bedtime. To keep the skin hydrated and soothed, you may also want to wear cotton gloves to prevent sweating. If you can't find a moisturizing cream, try a neem-based one.

Itching

Many people suffer from eczema, but what causes itching to worsen at night? The answer is a complex combination of factors, which include changes in body temperature and increased blood flow. Sleep is also when your body's production of inflammatory cytokines slows down, making you more prone to scratching. Inflammation is the most common reason you experience itching at night, but several other factors can also cause it.

Itching is worse at night for eczema patients because their skin becomes more sensitive to sudden temperature or humidity changes. Wearing wool clothing, for example, can aggravate the symptoms. Staying in loose-fitting clothes may also help relieve the itching. Taking a cool bath can help, too. Avoid synthetic fabrics and wear cotton or silk clothing during the day.

Aside from eczema, other skin conditions can cause itching at night. While the cause of this is usually dry skin, it can also be related to other conditions. For example, stress, anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia can also lead to skin itchiness at night. Also, itching is even worse during sleep if you're prone to bed bugs. Bedbugs and lice, which feed on people who sleep on their mattresses, can cause itching at night.

To reduce the severity of eczema itching during sleep, you should always apply moisturizer to your skin before bed. Also, it would help if you tried to keep topical medications cool in the refrigerator. Another way to reduce nighttime itching is to drink one cup of vinegar water in a quart of water. Alternatively, you can drink a solution of 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the affected area. However, it would help if you were cautious not to scratch in bed as this can cause severe skin breakdown and interfere with sleeping.

Cortisol levels

Although experts are unsure of exactly why stress makes AD and eczema worse at the same time, one theory is that stress increases inflammation in the body. As a result, it can be hard to fall asleep, a key element in preventing eczema and AD flare-ups. Furthermore, stress can significantly lower the immune system, making it harder to fight off infection.

Moreover, cortisol levels are significantly lower at night than during the day. This means that you will be more prone to scratch your skin, worsening your condition. While the body naturally produces cortisol, it does not produce it at night, increasing your itchiness and making your eczema worse at night. 

One study investigated the correlation between cortisol levels and the development of asthma. It involved 2230 participants and analyzed cortisol levels before and after stress. It found an inverse association between cortisol levels in the evening and morning of asthmatic patients. Another study studied asthmatics with a similar pattern and found that they had lower cortisol levels in the morning than in the afternoon.

A study conducted in the US also found that insomnia and eczema had a significantly lower correlation with sleep duration. However, this association was not significant in adults who did not suffer from insomnia. For this reason, it is important to consider the effect of eczema medication and sleep disorder on the relationship between cortisol levels and eczema symptoms.

Avoiding triggering fabrics

Certain types of clothing are a trigger for eczema. Wool or synthetic fabrics, for instance, can cause itching and sweating. Instead, choose lightweight cotton pajamas and sheets. Throwback the quilt at night when your skin needs a break. Wool blankets, especially, can trigger eczema scratching spells and should be avoided. Lastly, avoid wearing perfumed or scented products.

Drying clothes in the sun can trigger eczema flares. Drying your bed linen or clothes outside is another trigger. Also, keep your home dry to prevent the spread of mold and dust mites. Make sure to choose a room with an air-conditioner or radiator. Wear thin layers so you can move freely without getting hot or cold. Make sure you have a thermostat set to fifteen or eighteen degrees to keep yourself warm and dry.

Keeping your environment clean

There are many different ways to keep your environment clean. Dust mites are the most common trigger of eczema in the living room. To minimize the risk of dust mites, invest in easy-to-clean fabrics. Rugs and curtains need to be easy to clean. A shady area is also beneficial for those suffering from eczema. It's important to sleep in an area that provides shade and wear sunscreen when outside. An air conditioning unit may be worth its weight in gold in a hot climate.

FAQ

What triggers eczema the most?

For example, some people may be more sensitive to environmental triggers like pollen or dust, while others may be more sensitive to certain foods or chemicals.

How do you calm down eczema?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to calm down eczema will vary depending on the individual's specific case. However, some tips for calming down eczema include avoiding triggers, using moisturizers and topical steroids, and taking antihistamines if needed.

What helps eczema before bed?

Things that can help eczema before bed. One is to avoid using any harsh soaps or detergents on the skin. Instead, use a gentle cleanser. Apply a moisturizer liberally to the skin, and consider using a humidifier in the bedroom to help keep the skin hydrated.

Why is my eczema spreading?

There are things that can help eczema before bed. One is to avoid scratching the area, as this can make the condition worse. Applying a cold compress can also help to soothe the skin. Moisturizing the area can also be helpful, as dry skin can aggravate eczema.

Does sugar make eczema worse?

The effect of sugar on eczema varies from person to person. Some people find that consuming sugar makes their eczema worse, while others don't seem to be affected. If you suspect that sugar aggravates your eczema, try eliminating it from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

Does showering less help eczema?

Some people find that showering less helps their eczema, while others find that it makes their eczema worse. Therefore, it is essential to experiment with different showering schedules to see what works best for you.

Image source: greatist.com

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