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Allergies and atopic dermatitis are closely linked through shared immune system hypersensitivity. Those with atopic dermatitis often have an overactive immune response, making them more prone to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet hairs, which can trigger flare-ups.
Atopic dermatitis is part of the "atopic triad," alongside asthma and hay fever, related conditions linked by elevated levels of the IgE immune molecule, which often occur alongside one another. This immune hyperactivity can cause a cycle of itching, scratching, and worsening inflammation. In some cases, atopic dermatitis may be the first stage of the "atopic march," where individuals go on to later develop asthma or hay fever, highlighting the interconnectedness of these allergic conditions.
Identifying and managing allergens is crucial for minimising flare-ups in atopic dermatitis.
Factors in the environment can act as allergens to those with atopic dermatitis, such as pollen, dust mites, pet hair and dander, moulds, or temperature changes. Though some allergens are more common than others, the factors that trigger each person’s atopic dermatitis can vary widely. By identifying allergens that cause your atopic dermatitis to flare-up, you will be better placed to limit exposure.
In some circumstances it will be clear which allergens affect your atopic dermatitis, but sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint. If you are unsure what seems to be causing flare-ups, you can identify triggers using a symptom diary.
Common household irritants can easily trigger flare-ups for someone with atopic dermatitis due to their sensitive skin and compromised skin barrier. These can include soaps and cleaning products, pet hair, pollen and spores, dust mites, irritants from food preparation, or changes in heating and humidity. Consider the following tips:
Regardless of the allergens that trigger your atopic dermatitis to flare-up, keeping an effective skin barrier is essential. See our section on ‘Taking care of your skin with atopic dermatitis’ for more advice on this important aspect of managing your condition.
Your home is a source of potential allergens and environmental triggers, such as dust mites, pet hair, residues from cooking food, and more. When considering your home environment, keep in mind how easy it will be to clean, opting for hard floors over carpet, when possible, closed cupboards over open shelves, and minimise clutter around the home. Airing your home each day by opening the windows for 15 to 30 minutes, so long as the forecast does not predict high pollen counts, will also help remove allergens.
You can also remove allergens from your environment by giving each room a thorough clean on a regular basis, this should include the walls and floors, as well as furniture and especially soft furnishings, which often harbour allergens. Vacuum carpets and upholstery with a HEPA-filter vacuum, and dust surfaces with a damp cloth to avoid spreading allergens.
Be sure to wash clothing and bedding on a regular basis (once or twice a week for bedding), and choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-free cleaning products for use in the home. You could also consider using an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne allergens.
To limit exposure to pet hair and dander, which can exacerbate atopic dermatitis, it’s important to designate pet-free zones, especially in bedrooms, and avoid allowing pets on furniture. Regularly groom your pet by bathing and brushing them outdoors to reduce shedding in the home, and wash your hands after touching your pet to remove allergens from your skin.
Chemicals released during food preparation can act as allergens to individuals with atopic dermatitis, alongside the steam and any fumes from cooking. To minimise these triggers, proper ventilation in the kitchen, such as using extractor fans or opening windows, can help disperse airborne irritants.
Additionally, wearing protective gloves while handling potential allergens can reduce skin contact and irritation.
For pollen, try as much as possible to prevent it from entering your home, so keep an eye on the weather forecast, and shut windows and doors during high pollen season. You can also wash bedding and fabrics in hot water frequently to remove settled pollen, and change clothes and shower after outdoor exposure to prevent additional pollen entering the home. An air purifier can also be used if pollen remains a problem.
Try to maintain optimal humidity levels at home, usually between 40% and 50%. Lower humidity can dry out the skin, while higher humidity can promote dust mites and mould growth, both of which can irritate sensitive skin. Invest in a hygrometer, a small device that measures indoor humidity, so you can adjust conditions as needed.
To a certain extent, humidity can be managed actively, through opening and closing windows, ensuring proper ventilation, and utilising extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, to remove humid air. If these actions are not working sufficiently, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, or a dehumidifier, to remove moisture. If you do use these machines, ensure they are cleaned regularly to avoid mould and bacterial buildup.
Maintain a comfortable temperature at home, not too hot nor too cold, as excessive heat can cause sweating, which irritates the skin and triggers flare-ups, whilst, extreme cold can dry out the skin and strip its natural moisture. The temperature at which you feel comfortable naturally differs between individuals, but is often in the 20 to 22°C range. If you use fans or air conditioning in warmer weather, be aware that sitting in front of these can cause the skin to dry out.
For other tips about maintaining your body at a personally comfortable temperature, see the tips for managing seasonal changes in ‘Section 2: Taking care of your skin with atopic dermatitis’.