Hot Weather
Dry heat and sweat are common factors in setting off symptoms. Summer wardrobes such as sleeveless tops and shorts expose it all. Control eczema in warm weather by conditioning the skin and soothing the itch.
Some tips:
Keep up with moisturizers
Dry heat and sweat are common factors in setting off symptoms. Summer wardrobes such as sleeveless tops and shorts expose it all. Control eczema in warm weather by conditioning the skin and soothing the itch.
Just because summer humidity feels clammy doesn’t mean you can let up on keeping skin hydrated.
Follow the 3-minute rule: Apply moisturizers right after a warm (not hot!) bath to seal in water in your skin.
Skip harsh chemicals
Avoid using deodorizing soaps and products that contain alcohol, fragrances, retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).
Use sunscreen wisely
Sunshine eases eczema for some people, but skin cancer prevention remains crucial. Choose and use sunscreen without fragrances, dyes and alcohols. (If you’re a new parent, don’t put sunscreen on your baby until after 6 months of age.)
Moisturize frequently at the beach
The more you moisturize at the beach, pool or club, the better.
Rinse off
Rinse off periodically to wash away allergens, irritants (salt! sand! chlorine!) and sweat on your skin, then reapply moisturizing sunscreen.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming too hot.
Cold Weather
During the winter, our skin loses moisture much more quickly than in the summer, spring or fall. This is a problem for people with eczema.
Here are some preventive measures to keep your skin from over-drying in wintertime.
Increase your moisturizing routine.
If you normally moisturize once a day, such as after a bath or shower, do it two or even three times a day during winter so skin does not become dry and cracked.
Talk with your doctor
about using a stronger medication during wintertime.
Consider a humidifier
Running heaters during the winter makes indoor air even drier; humidifiers are designed to put moisture back in the air.
Avoid wool clothing
As you dress warmly for the outdoors, make sure you put on hats, scarves, sweaters and gloves that are not made from wool, as these can irritate and increase itching.
© 2021 Allergy and Asthma Network
Last updated : 2/6/2023