How Changes in Weather Impacts Eczema

Eczema Awareness Month is in October. For most of us, this is the time of year when the weather starts to change and so might the condition of your eczema. Whether you suffer from mild or severe eczema, you know that even the slightest change in climate may dramatically affect your skin. We’re going to take a little time today exploring why this may be.

Healthy skin is a barrier that protects your skin. However, when you have eczema, your skin can’t protect you in the same way. Eczema prone skin doesn’t provide moisture to our skin the same way that healthy skin does so it’s prone to dry out and become more irritated by heat, cold, wind, and humidity. Aside from just temperature, a change in climate may bring other factors that could irritate your skin – such as pollen.

Eczema in Warm Weather For some people, warm and more humid weather can bring some relief. The humidity helps to keep the skin more moisturized. For other, hot weather and sweating can cause eczema flare-ups. If you find that hot weather is causing skin troubles, WebMD suggests the following:

• 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. Try to 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. Everyone’s skin is different. 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 find that the sun is triggering your skin wear long sleeves, pants and a hat.

Eczema in Cold Weather Most people with eczema has claimed that their eczema conditions tend to worsen in the winter. Winter and cold weather can dry out your skin even more and trigger flare-ups. If you find that your eczema has a hard time enduring the colder conditions, consider the tips below:

• Try to avoid temperature extremes It’s not just the weather outside that can be dreadful, in the winter time, most houses keep the heat up which can also dry out skin. When you’re going from hot inside to cold out, this can trigger flare-ups. This may be difficult to do at times but try not to not let your body temperature drop too much and keep an even temperature. When you’re tempted to take hot showers, try to avoid doing this in order to warm up.

• Moisturize This is a pretty obvious one. Most people feel that they need more moisturization in the winter but for people with eczema, they may feel that they need to change to a heavier moisturizer. (Our customers have claimed that Heal Rescue Lotion has worked very well in the winter and approved by the National Eczema Association). Always carry lotion with you and look out for the ones that are approved by the National Eczema Association.

• Use Mild Skincare Products People with eczema-prone skin typically use mild skincare products. But keep this up in the winter because the weather tends to cause the skin to be even more sensitive. Avoid excessive washing of hands and body. Avoid using products with fragrance. Keep to natural and organic products

• Use a Humidifier When at home in the winter, most of us in cold climates will have their heat on. This will tend to dry out the environment. Use a humidifier inside the home to keep some moisture in the air.

As the leaves turn colors and the weather cools, there are definitely ways to protect your skin. There are many resources to help guide you through the changes. National Eczema Association has a lot of resources to guide you through the winter months. Also follow @eczemaconquerors, @gut.skin.nutritionist, @jenniferfugo, and @molecule32skincare for loads of great information!

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