Quick answer: Eczema isn't caused by allergies, but in some children, allergens such as house dust mites, pet dander and pollen can trigger flares.¹ Overheating can also make eczema worse.² You don't need to overhaul your whole home. First, confirm which triggers actually affect your child. Then focus on the bedroom: wash bedding weekly in hot water above 60 °C, use dust mite resistant covers, and keep the room cool.
Home eczema triggers at a glance
| Trigger | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| House dust mites | A common flare trigger in sensitised children, especially in humid coastal areas | Wash bedding weekly above 60 °C; use dust mite resistant covers |
| Overheating | Heat can make itching worse | Keep the bedroom cool; avoid overdressing |
| Humid air | Dust mites thrive in humidity | Ventilate daily and avoid keeping the air too humid |
| Pet dander | A trigger if your child is allergic | Confirm the allergy first; keep pets out of the bedroom |
| Cigarette smoke | A proven aggravating factor | Keep your home and car smoke-free |
| Rough fabrics | Can irritate eczema-prone skin | Choose soft cotton; remove sheepskin or woollen underlays |
Which home triggers can make eczema worse?
Eczema affects about 30% of Australian children, according to Perth Children's Hospital.³ It develops from a combination of genetics, a weakened skin barrier and an over-reactive immune system, not from allergies. However, once a child has eczema, certain things around the home can trigger flares. There's usually no single trigger,⁴ and not every child reacts to the same things.
For children who are sensitised to them, house dust mites, pollen and animal dander are common flare triggers. That's why ASCIA recommends confirming which allergens affect your child before making changes at home. Sometimes the trigger is obvious; sometimes it takes allergy testing.¹
How do you reduce house dust mites?
Focus on the bedroom, especially the bedding. Dust mites thrive in homes with high humidity and constant warm temperatures, and they're more common in coastal cities than in drier inland areas. They can't be completely removed, but you can reduce their numbers and your child's exposure.¹
- Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in hot water above 60 °C. This kills dust mites and washes away the allergen they produce. If you wash at a lower temperature, tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 10 minutes once the bedding is dry.
- Cover the mattress, pillows and quilt with dust mite resistant covers, and wash the covers every two months.
- Wash blankets every two months.
- Limit soft toys in the bedroom, or wash your child's favourites weekly, the same way as the sheets.⁵
- Choose hard floors and roll-up blinds over carpet and heavy curtains where possible, and dust with a damp cloth so dust doesn't rise into the air.
What temperature is best for a child with eczema?
Cool and comfortable, never too hot. Overheating and over-wrapping your child can make itching worse, so dress them in light layers rather than bundling them up.² Changes in climate are also a common trigger for flares.⁶
Aim for fresh, well-ventilated rooms all year round. Open windows daily when you can, and keep your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems properly maintained. In cooler months, when heaters are on, keep up daily moisturising. In Mustela's clinical studies, Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream provided 24-hour hydration after a single application.⁷ For a full routine, read our guide on how to care for eczema-prone skin.
Should you keep pets if your child has eczema?
Research on whether pets affect eczema is mixed, and researchers say it's too early to give parents specific advice.⁸
If testing confirms a pet allergy, ASCIA says avoiding the animal is the most effective option. If that isn't possible, these steps may help:⁹
- keep the pet out of your child's bedroom
- restrict the pet to one area of the home
- remove carpet from the bedroom, if possible
- use a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner
- wash the pet weekly
Why does a smoke-free home matter?
Both active and passive smoking are proven aggravating factors for eczema, during pregnancy and after birth.⁶ Smoke clings to clothes, furniture and car interiors, so the safest option is a completely smoke-free home and car. For free support to quit, call Quitline on 13 7848.
Which fabrics and bedding are best?
Prickly or rough fabrics can irritate eczema-prone skin.¹⁰ Choose soft, breathable cotton for clothing and sleepwear, and remove sheepskin products and woollen underlays from your child's bed.⁵
When should you talk to your doctor?
If you notice a pattern, such as flares after playing with a pet or at certain times of year, ask your GP about allergy testing. Your doctor may use skin prick tests or blood tests, and may refer you to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist.¹
For more on everyday eczema care, read our guides on how to bathe a baby with eczema and eczema myths and facts.
Frequently asked questions about eczema triggers at home
Is a humidifier good for eczema?
Use one with care. Very dry air can feel drying on the skin, but dust mites thrive in homes with high humidity.¹ If you use a humidifier while heaters are on in winter, keep the humidity moderate and clean the unit regularly.
Are any dog or cat breeds hypoallergenic?
No. The amount of allergen released varies between breeds, but no breed of dog or cat is completely allergen-free.¹
Can I use eucalyptus or tea tree laundry products?
ASCIA suggests them as an alternative if you can't wash bedding in hot water. Some commercial products containing tea tree or eucalyptus oils are formulated to kill dust mites in cold water.¹ Stop using them if your child's skin rash gets worse.
References
- ASCIA. Allergen Minimisation – Frequently Asked Questions (2024).
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Caring for your child's eczema.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Eczema – A guide for health professionals.
- ASCIA. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – Fast Facts.
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Government). House dust mite.
- Mustela Australia. Study on Atopic Dermatitis in infants, children and adults.
- Mustela Australia. Stelatopia+ Studies: Clinical Efficacy & Results.
- Epstein TG et al. (2011). Study of 636 children in the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS). The Journal of Pediatrics.
- ASCIA. Pet Allergy – Frequently Asked Questions (2024).
- Telethon Kids Institute. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) fact sheet – Koolungar Moorditj Healthy Skin Project.
This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, paediatrician or allergy specialist about your child's skin.
