Atopic Triad

Eczema is part of what is often called the atopic triad of eczema, allergies (rhinitis), and asthma. Patients often suffer from more than one of these or they may run in families. They are all characterized to some extent by the immune system reacting to things that it shouldn't - or doesn't in non-atopic people.

At a time of a serious flare of my eczema I underwent comprehensive allergy testing. My dermatologist wanted to make sure that contact allergies were not making my eczema worse. I found out that I had a number of allergies that gave me hives or triggered my eczema. A big one was nickel. What I had thought was eczema around my neck was actually an allergy to several necklaces I had that were made of nickel. I now have a nickel testing kit to avoid exposure. I also discovered a serious allergy to dust mites and have dust mite-proofed my home. This has had no noticeable effect on my eczema, however.

I have also always suffered from rhinitis and as I paid attention, I have noticed that some things I am allergic to also trigger my eczema. Cats, for instance, and grass. After being around cats or sitting in the grass I am very likely to have a bad flare-up. Other allergies cause a runny nose but no change in my eczema. I think it just takes a lot of time paying attention to what you are exposed to and how your body reacts. Once you notice patterns that lead to flare-ups, you can start to avoid those triggers.