Many factors are believed to exacerbate the condition. These include:
 -contact allergens

 -food allergens (e.g. soybeans, fish, nuts)
 -inhalant allergens (e.g. house dust, animal dander)
 -skin dehydration
 -emotional stress
 -hormonal changes (pregnancy, menstruation, thyroid)
 -infections (e.g. S. aureus, group A strep, dermatophytes, candida, Herpes simplex)
 -seasonal changes (e.g. flare-ups in winter)
 -clothing, especially wool in direct contact with skin