Unfortunately, it could be the very ground you walk on that is aggravating your eczema.
Carpets (and curtains, cushions, rugs and throws) end up full of highly allergenic dust mite debris, moulds and pet dander, all of which can trigger eczema flare-ups. They also accumulate various toxins from household cleaning products as well as pollutants from the environment.
So carpets are really not good for eczema at all.
What can you do about it?
- Go for short pile, not shag; the shorter the pile, the easier to clean
- Get carpet labeled low VOC (volatile organic compound), which limits the use of irritants such as formaldehyde and benzene
- Vacuum carpets with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner every day
- Invest in a steam cleaner and clean carpets and couches weekly to kill mites
- Shampoo carpets monthly with a hypoallergenic carpet shampoo - or get the professionals in
- Keep pets out of bedrooms and off couches
- Use an anti-dander spray or wipes on your pets to reduce shedding
- Dust furniture daily with a damp cloth to collect rather than spread dust
- Wash throws and cushions regularly at over 60 degrees
But ideally - if more drastically:
Take up carpets and install wood or laminate floors instead
