You might have heard a lot about eczema as a commonly found skincare condition. But what exactly is eczema? Well, it is a skin condition that is characterized by itchy and inflamed skin. There are different types of eczema, the most common being Atopic Dermatitis. The types may differ in causes and symptoms, but signs of dry, scaly, and itchy skin are found in all.
Eczema is more than often caused by triggers; some could be allergens, others may be reactions to certain chemicals or even specific blood flow issues. Summers can be quite challenging for people as their triggers may come more often and exacerbate symptoms.
If you suffer from eczema, this guide offers some effective tips for soothing your inflamed skin this summer. However, let us first explain why the condition worsens during summertime.
Eczema During Summers
Summers typically being with them the humidity and blaring heat. Some may find sunlight to be relieving, but people with eczema may find their condition becoming worse. To understand this, take a look at some common triggers for eczema:
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A weak skin barrier that leaves it exposed and vulnerable to irritants and allergens
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Genetic predispositions
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Dry skin
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Problems with the immune system
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External allergens (like pollen)
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Harsh chemicals
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Certain plants that are poisonous
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Contact with substances like nickel, nickel, cobalt, or chromium salt
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Damp skin
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Wearing certain types of metals
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Paint
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Perfumes
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Tobacco fumes
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Stress
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Bacterial or fungal infections
During summers, people sweat easily. It’s even worse when there’s an increase in humidity because the body then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. On the other hand, some people may be more likely to wash up often and take several baths. As a result, they use more soap, thereby drying the skin and leaving its barrier disturbed.
During this season, you may overuse deodorants and perfumes and have damp skin due to the weather. In addition, the summers pose a risk with high levels of pollen. So, you can see that several skin problems
during the summer become common and can be quite taxing for someone with eczema.
Can Eczema Effects Change Over the Seasons?
Eczema’s causes differ from person to person, and so do the triggers. Some may find that their symptoms are worse during summers and better in winters or the other way around. Studies show that climatic and seasonal changes affect the skin’s barrier. In fact, this main component is essential to how the body reacts to eczema because, with a damaged barrier, your skin cannot retain moisture and will dry out, leaving it more susceptible.
Therefore, it is highly likely that your eczema symptoms may change over the seasons. However, you can always prepare ahead with skincare tips that help alleviate symptoms and avoid triggers.
Tip to Manage and Control Summer Eczema Flare-Ups
Eczema has no known cure as of yet – and since it is a chronic condition, one can rely on the treatment and management of its symptoms. It is also important to distance yourself from triggers with certain lifestyle choices that lessen the chances of aggravating the condition.
To successfully deal with eczema during the summer, keep in mind the following skin care tips:
- Wear comfortable and light clothing. Go for materials like rayon, linen, and cotton. These materials allow your skin to breathe as well as allow circulation.
- Avoid the sun as much as possible during summers. Excess heat is a trigger when it comes to skin damage. So it is essential to use a sunblock (every day) made for sensitive skin that also has moisturizing ingredients.
- Staying hydrated has tons of benefits – from flushing out your system to keeping your skin looking fresh and plump. Plus, during summers, you sweat more; therefore, you must make sure that you replenish equally.
- Opt for indoor activities as much as possible.
- If you are going swimming, apply some sunscreen to help lessen or slow the impact of chlorinated water. The same goes for beach outings. This of course seems a distant possibility now owing to the lockdown.
- Try rinsing your skin at timely intervals but make sure that you apply cream immediately after to lock in the moisture.
- Use a gentle antibacterial soap.
- Be careful of the products you use, like bug sprays and deodorants. Read the ingredients to see if any of them are known triggers, and always do a patch test.
- Some experts suggest using a physical sunblock that is made from zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sunblocks do not penetrate the skin barrier like the chemical ones; rather, they form a layer above it to block harmful rays.
- Try cold water showers as hot water can dry out your skin.
- If you suffer from allergic rhinitis (hay fever), be sure to treat your symptoms as it is a known trigger for eczema flare-ups.
- Avoid damp skin. If you have wet clothing or are soaked in sweat, change as soon as possible.
While the above tips may help you manage your eczema symptoms during the summertime, know that only an expert dermatologist will know exactly how to treat eczema flare-ups during the season. Hence, if you feel that your symptoms are getting unmanageable, it is best to reach out to a doctor.
Conclusion
Eczema is a common skin condition that millions suffer from. While it can be hard to deal with its symptoms, it is nothing to be shy or ashamed about. With the above tips, you can get out in the sun and protect your skin from damage.
You cannot control the triggers of your eczema, but you can prepare for them, avoid them, and treat them. For this, it is best to work with a dermatologist who can help identify the type and curate a treatment catered to your needs.
Feel free to reach out to any of the experienced dermatologists and book an appointment online!
