Weather can be tough on anyone’s skin, especially if you have eczema. But which weather is worst? That depends on the person. Hot, cold, humid, and dry — any type of weather can cause an eczema flare-up in some people. Find out how to prepare for your itchy weather — and the ways that weather can trigger your symptoms.
How Weather Affects Your Skin? Healthy skin acts as a barrier to protect you — the way a good coat of paint guards your house from the summer heat and winter snow. But when you have eczema, that barrier just doesn’t work as well. It leaks moisture, so your skin can get dried out and gets more irritated by heat, cold, humidity, wind, and more. Weather also can affect your eczema indirectly. For example, a warm, windy day can blow pollen into the air and onto your skin. If you’re allergic, that means an itchy flare-up. The weather can change your own behavior as well. If you’re outside more in the warmer months and huddled under a blanket in the winter, you’ll be exposed to different eczema triggers in different seasons. The key is to notice the types of weather that stir up your eczema — and scratching.
Eczema in Hot, Humid Weather: For some people with eczema, warm, sunny, and humid weather brings relief. Others find that the hot weather triggers prickly heat and a frenzy of scratching. To ease symptoms, try these tips according to webmd.com:
- Don’t get too sweaty. Sweating dries out your skin, and the salt in sweat can sting and irritate it. So try to stay cool. Take it easy on hot days and stick to indoor activities. Use air conditioning or a fan if you need one.
- Wear soft, breathable clothing. Keep your skin cool by staying away from nylon, wool, rough linen, or any fabric that’s stiff or itchy. Generally, cotton is best.
- Know how the sun affects you. Sunlight can be a salve for eczema. In fact, people with severe cases can benefit from ultraviolet ray treatments. But others find that sunlight is a trigger. If you’re one of them, shield yourself with clothes and a hat.
- Watch the sprays and lotions. Sunscreens and bug sprays can have chemicals that trigger symptoms. Opt for sunscreens that physically block the ultraviolet rays with the minerals zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Test a sample on your arm before you slather it all over your body.
Please remember to wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly always to prevent the spread of germs.
