For anyone who suffers from eczema, or is a caregiver to an eczema sufferer, they'll tell you that the best way to deal with flare-ups is to find the triggers and avoid them at all cost.

Listed below are several common eczema triggers and ways to avoid them:

1.) Pesticides - Pesticides are used for controlling pest. Unfortunately, for those with health issues, coming in direct contact with these substances (even second hand contact - such as furniture or toys contaminated with the spray) can have an adverse reaction.

* How to Avoid - Restrict pesticide spray to the exterior of one's home or opt for more natural pest control methods.

2.) Food - Certain foods such as eggs, dairy, wheat, nuts, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, and shellfish contribute to eczema flare-ups.

* How to Avoid - Often through trial and error, the individual (or caretaker if the eczema sufferer is young) has to determine what foods cause his/her flare-ups. At times with the use of an allergy skin prick test, some individuals have been able to get a positive read on what specific foods they need to stay away from. In the event a prick test fails (which happened in my toddlers case), a blood test will provide the sufferer with a more reliable reading.

Once it's been determined what foods contribute to the flare-ups, avoid them at all cost. In addition, be diligent about reading food labels and enquiring at restaurants or other outside eateries how certain foods are prepared.

3.) Stress - Medical studies have shown that stress makes the body much more vulnerable to illness and infections. Eczema is no exception to this rule.

* How To Avoid - To the best of your ability, try to avoid stressful situations. Unfortunately, most stressful situations are not avoidable, therefore learning stress management tips will enable the eczema sufferer from allowing these situations to get the better of them.

For the caregiver - create an environment that is as stress free as possible for your young one. In the event your child is going into a stressful situation (i.e. doctors or dentist appointment), do everything you can to keep your child as calm as possible. I've found the distraction technique - distracting my toddler with something to keep her mind preoccupied - works pretty well.

4.) Scented Lotions/Scented Soaps - Due to the added fragrance and other additives in scented soaps and lotions, these factors will only irritate and dry out the already irritated and dry skin of the eczema sufferer.

* How to Avoid - Avoid scented soaps and lotions at all cost. Opt for healthier and more natural soaps and skin moisturizers. Tom's All Natural offers a great line of all natural soaps, and replacing lotions with olive oil, evening primrose oil, and non-scented Vaseline are great alternatives to keep the skin in tip-top condition.

Many have taken advantage of their local health food stores for healthier alternatives to the skin moisturizers on the market. For those who are a little short on funds, the aforementioned products are a little more "pocket friendly."

5.) Changes In Weather - Of course, we have no control over the weather. Nevertheless, changes in weather do effect the condition of one's skin.

* How to Avoid - In this situation, the best thing to do is to control the temperature in your own home and dress accordingly.

6.) Dust/Other Household Allergens - Studies have shown that dust and other household allergens such as mold, have been known to cause adverse reactions including skin rashes.

* How to Avoid - Keep your home dust and mold free. Purchase Hepa air filters that reduce up to 99% of such allergens from the air in your home. Use a Hepa vacuum cleaner to remove a larger amount of dirt and pollen collected in your home's carpeting. Cover your mattress (or child's mattress) with mattress covers that reduce the effects of dust mites. Use a Hepa air purifier in your home to reduce allergens in the air.

7.) Harsh Cleaning Products - Harsh cleaning products also have the potential of triggering eczema flare-ups. Whether they come in direct contact with the skin or are inhaled (my toddler only has to smell cleaning supplies in the home and it will cause her eyes to water and burn, immediately followed by itchy and flared skin), they too can cause adverse reactions in the eczema sufferer.

* How to Avoid - Avoid the use of harsh cleaning products. The open market has several all natural or non-toxic cleaning products such as Method (Target carries this brand), Sun and Earth (www.sunandearth.com), and Seventh Generation (www.seventhgeneration.com).

8.) Jewelry and Nickel Products - Nickel products and jewelry have also been known to trigger eczema flare ups.

* How to Avoid - Restrict your wear of jewelry and nickle products. For children - don't allow your jewelry or other individuals jewelry or nickle products to come in contact with your child's skin.

9.) Over-Exposure to the Sun - As strange as it may seem, overexposure to the sun can cause flare-ups as well (this happens to my toddler).

* How to Avoid - Although a good source of vitamin D; keep your exposure to the sun at a minimum. Avoid going out at the hottest parts of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Wear a sunhat and long sleeved breathable shirts and pants if you'll be out in the sun for an extended period of time.

10.) Dehydration - The skin needs moisture inside and out. This is extremely vital for the eczema sufferer since dry skin causes flare-ups as well.

* How to Avoid - Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. Increase your intake if you get overheated or are on the go.

11.) Synthetic Fibers - Synthetic fibers are can be very rough against the skin. This in turn, irritates the skin and can cause an eczema flare-up as well.

* How to Avoid - Only choose clothing that is 100% cotton. Some have found that linen is an excellent choice also.

12.) Laundry Detergent - Laundry detergents can contain harsh cleaning agents that irritate the skin as well.

* How to Avoid - Use all natural laundry detergents such as Sun and Earth and Seventh Generation, or make your own homemade detergent. There are several easy homemade detergents available online that will enable you to control what your washing your clothes with.

13.) Illness - In addition to stress, at times there isn't much we can do about illness. We all fall ill at one time or another. Unfortunately, illness can bring on some of the worst flare-ups.

* How to Avoid - The best way to avoid illness is to prevent it as much as possible. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water, exercise, take vitamins, and take a probiotic. These are steps you can take to keep illness at bay (this applies to caregivers children who suffer from eczema as well).

Eczema triggers differ from one person to another. Therefore, it is best that each individual or care-giver, becomes acquainted with their body (or their children's body) and do everything they can to avoid them.

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