As the summer holidays draw to an end, perhaps you've noticed your skin sensitivity increase after being on holiday - new rashes, redness and flakier skin conditions included. With ‘National Eczema Week’ approaching, we ask our founder & Chartered Chemist, Bruce Green, what triggers may be causing eczema symptoms.

"The main causes of Eczema include an over-active immune system, genetics, and triggers such as your environment and stress. With that said, it's not always easy to diagnose whether your skin condition is one of these Atopic/Contact Eczemas, as there isn't always a clear indicator of one of these triggers.

Eczema can occur on anyone, not just commonly found in children or ageing dry skin, and whilst some people have had eczema since childhood which may come and go, others might be experiencing it as adults without even knowing. If you think you may have Eczema or are worried about a skin condition, you should always seek medical advice from your doctor.

If it isn't already obvious that you have a type of Eczema, but you're experiencing the common symptoms such as itchy skin, dry skin, discolouration on dry patches, scaly patches, red rashes and bumps on the skin, then finding the possible cause to understand the flare-up can help you manage your skin's health.

After the summer holidays, here are four potential causes to consider...

1) Food allergy - For instance, 1/5th of children who have eczema have a food allergy. Food allergies do not cause eczema directly, however, they may trigger flare-ups and inflammatory reactions.

2) Swimming - If you've found your skin is drier after swimming, this could be due to a higher pH level which can cause calcium build-up. As a disinfectant, Chlorine may be causing your eczema, although many people may find swimming helps clear up their condition, for others, it can be a trigger.

3) Jewellery - Another potential trigger of eczema can be from wearing jewellery, which can leave your skin feeling itchy or red under your wrists, on your fingers, ears and neck. Types of metals such as nickel or cobalt are seen as triggers for eczema, whilst gold, platinum and titanium are seen as non-allergenic.

4) Fragrance - Whilst it's relatively well known that fragrant products can cause contact dermatitis, you might not have considered that your new holiday make-up or spray is the cause of your new itchy skin condition. Check the ingredients list on your duty-free make-up and perfume picks, and watch out for ingredients including Ethanol, Essential Oils, Retinoids, Propylene Glycol and Lanolin.

Stress – A lot has been written about stress and its potential trigger for eczema. One of the most effective ways to combat stress, anxiety and depression is through exercise. Make it a daily habit to take a stroll or run, along a nature trail – it can trigger certain neurotransmitters and hormones that can dramatically improve your mood, your health and your skin.”

The cooling & hydrating oil-free SOS SERUM provides rapid relief from the itch of eczema & other dry skin conditions and calms problematic skin. Containing anti-inflammatory Wasabi and calming Burdock Leaf Extracts along with the refined extract of cooling Peppermint and Lauromacrogols which acts as an anaesthetic to soothe the skin, together they deliver comfort, moisturisation and protection and rapid relief from a wide range of concerns such as:-

Reduced itching caused by Eczema, Psoriasis and Dermatitis
Supporting the withdrawal of Steroid Creams
Treating & Soothing bites, plant & insect stings, and minor burns
Soothing and Hydrating wind chapped and sun damaged skin
Quickly and effectively managing allergic flare ups
Providing extra moisture for elbows and knees

Could You Have Undiagnosed Eczema?