How There Can Be Two or More Causes to Eczema?

January 22, 2025

How There Can Be Two or More Causes to Eczema

Eczema is a common, chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While its symptoms—redness, dryness, and itching—are well-known, the causes of eczema can vary significantly from one person to the next. Eczema is often the result of multiple triggers interacting with each other, making it difficult to pinpoint just one root cause. In this article, we’ll explore how eczema can have multiple causes, share our personal journey with Bristol Butter, and explain how we managed to improve Bristol's eczema symptoms by understanding and addressing the various triggers.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is not caused by a single factor but by a combination of internal and external triggers. These triggers can include:

Genetic Factors: A family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies can increase the likelihood of developing eczema.
Immune System Response: In people with eczema, the immune system overreacts to environmental triggers, causing skin inflammation and irritation.
Environmental Triggers: Environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and weather changes can exacerbate eczema flare-ups.
Skin Barrier Dysfunction: The skin of individuals with eczema tends to have a weakened barrier, which makes it more susceptible to irritation and moisture loss.
Dietary Triggers: Certain foods can trigger eczema in some individuals, including dairy, eggs, and gluten.

Eczema is often the result of a combination of these triggers. One trigger alone may not cause a flare-up, but when combined, they can create the perfect storm for irritated, inflamed skin.

Our Journey with Bristol's Eczema: Managing Multiple Triggers

When Bristol, our daughter, was diagnosed with eczema, we quickly realized that her condition was influenced by multiple factors. After years of topical steroids, moisturizers, bleach baths and more we finally broke down and agreed to try biologic injections (Dupixent). These injections help reduce the symptoms of eczema, such as itching, redness, and inflammation, by modulating the immune response. Although the injections reduced the signs of her eczema they were not a complete solution.

Despite the improvement from the injections, environmental triggers—such as pollen and dry air—still caused Bristol’s skin to flare. We soon realized that while Dupixent could manage the internal immune response, it couldn’t protect against external triggers like harsh weather or allergens.

Our fear was a that with prolonged use of Dupixent and simultaneous use of topical steroids for the treatment of her eczema could come with potential risks and side effects, which is why many parents, like us, search for alternatives once they notice the treatment's limitations.

Dupixent (Dupilumab) Risks:

While Dupixent is an effective biologic for treating severe eczema, it’s still a relatively new treatment with long-term effects that are not yet fully understood. Some possible concerns include:

Immune System Effects: Dupixent works by modifying the immune response, which can lead to unintended immune system suppression. This may increase the risk of infections, particularly with certain bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Eye Issues: Some patients have reported eye-related side effects, including conjunctivitis (eye irritation or inflammation), dry eyes, and eye infections. In children, these issues may be more difficult to manage.
Injection Site Reactions: Biologic injections can cause site reactions like redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, which can be distressing for children.

Topical Steroid Risks:

Topical steroids are commonly used to manage eczema flare-ups, but they can have serious side effects when used long-term, especially in young children:

Thinning of the Skin: Prolonged use of topical steroids can cause the skin to become thin, fragile, and more prone to damage. This increases the risk of developing stretch marks, bruising, and even skin tears.
Steroid-Induced Skin Changes: Chronic use can also lead to steroid rosacea, a condition that causes redness, pimples, and the appearance of blood vessels on the skin, especially on the face.
Systemic Absorption: Overuse of topical steroids, particularly strong ones, can cause systemic absorption, where the steroids enter the bloodstream. This can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting growth and development in children, or potentially causing conditions like Cushing's syndrome (a condition caused by high levels of cortisol).
Steroid Withdrawal or Rebound Effect: Once topical steroids are discontinued, the skin can experience a rebound effect, where eczema symptoms flare up even more severely than before. This can lead to a cycle of overuse and worsening symptoms.

These concerns prompted me to seek a gentler, more natural approach to treating Bristol’s eczema—one that would avoid these potential side effects and provide lasting relief through nourishing, safe ingredients. That’s when I created Bristol Butter, a holistic, all-natural solution that provides moisturizing and soothing benefits without the risks associated with harsh treatments.

Why Dupixent Injections Were Not the Ultimate Solution

While Dupixent injections provided significant relief, they came with challenges. The injections were painful and traumatic for Bristol, especially at such a young age. After a few months, we had to reconsider whether the pain was worth it, especially since the injections did not completely eliminate her flare-ups caused by environmental triggers.

We were left searching for a solution that could provide more consistent, natural relief without the painful injections.

Discovering Bristol Butter: The Natural Alternative

Determined to find a gentler solution, we began researching natural remedies for eczema. After trying various options, we developed Bristol Butter, an all-natural skin balm designed to provide relief from eczema symptoms by addressing both the internal and external factors that cause flare-ups.

Bristol Butter is crafted with natural ingredients like Emu Oil, Beeswax, and Shea Butter, which are known for their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. By applying Bristol Butter, we were able to create a protective barrier on Bristol’s skin, locking in moisture and helping to prevent environmental triggers from worsening her eczema.

Since incorporating Bristol Butter into her routine, Bristol’s skin has remained calmer and more hydrated, even when exposed to common environmental triggers. The balm has been a game-changer, providing a natural alternative to medical treatments like Dupixent, while also soothing and protecting her sensitive skin.

Questions About Eczema Triggers:

Can eczema be caused by multiple factors? Yes, eczema is often caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, immune system responses, environmental triggers, and skin barrier dysfunction. It’s essential to identify and manage all potential triggers for effective eczema care.
What are common environmental triggers for eczema? Common environmental triggers for eczema include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, harsh weather, and chemicals found in cleaning products. These can worsen symptoms, even when other treatments are working to reduce inflammation.
How do Dupixent injections work for eczema? Dupixent injections are used to reduce inflammation by targeting the immune system’s response. They are effective in treating moderate to severe eczema, but they may not be enough to control environmental triggers like allergens or weather changes.
Can natural remedies help with eczema flare-ups? Yes, natural remedies like Bristol Butter can help by moisturizing the skin, reducing inflammation, and creating a protective barrier against external triggers. Ingredients like Emu Oil, Beeswax, and Shea Butter are known for their skin-soothing properties and can provide long-term relief.

Why Choose Bristol Butter for Eczema Relief?

Bristol Butter is a natural solution that addresses the multiple causes and triggers of eczema. Here’s why it’s the perfect choice for managing eczema:

Natural Ingredients: Made with Emu Oil, Shea Butter, and Beeswax, Bristol Butter deeply moisturizes and soothes irritated skin without harsh chemicals.
Protective Barrier: The balm forms a natural occlusive layer on the skin, preventing moisture loss and shielding against environmental triggers.
Safe for All Ages: Gentle enough for children, Bristol Butter is a safe and effective option for the whole family.
Non-Greasy and Fast Absorbing: It absorbs quickly into the skin, providing immediate relief without leaving a greasy residue.

Internal & External Links:

Discover how Bristol Butter can help relieve eczema and sensitive skin on our product page.
For more information about eczema and its causes, visit the National Eczema Association.

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