Eczema or dermatitis, is the inflammation of skin, one of the triggers for which is the environment. As an expert online dermatologist explains, outside temperatures and environment play a great role in triggering eczema. In particular, extremes of both hot and cold temperature are notorious for eczema flares, which is why one should take precautions to avoid such extreme conditions. Read on to know more about dealing with eczema in the changing season.
Effect of weather on eczema
Eczema or dermatitis affects the outermost layer of the skin, which is a barrier against the external environment. If this barrier does not work well, there is leakage of moisture, thereby drying the skin with greater impact of outside agents like heat, cold, humidity, wind and allergens. As these agents harm the skin, there is localized inflammation with outbreaks of eczema.
Apart from this indirect effect of weather on eczema, there is a direct effect as well. This can include: increased drying of skin during higher temperatures, increased itching during the windy weather and increased inflammation due to contact with pollen in the air.
Consequently, when dealing with eczema, one must keep the changes in the outside environment and weather in mind to avoid triggers.
Eczema flares during the hot weather
The exact triggers of eczema in different individuals are variable. In some individuals, there is decrease in inflammation around the skin with increase in temperature, while in others the symptoms can abate with rise in temperature. However, as mentioned before, the key is to remember that extremes of both hot and cold temperatures are bad.
In the hot weather, the rise in temperatures can result in increased sweating and itching, which can increase inflammation. Additionally, humidity also increases during the summer months, which can trigger itching and eruptions. It is therefore important to keep cool during the hot weather.
Individuals who swim in pools during the summer months can deal with dermatitis secondary to chlorine from the pools. The flare-ups are also common in children who have eczema, as chlorine irritates the skin and induces inflammation.
The rashes and outbreaks of eczema need to be identified by working closely with a healthcare provider. Once the triggers are confirmed, you can work around them to keep the skin healthy.
How to avoid eczema flares during the hot weather
Here are some tips to avoid eczema flares during the hot weather:
- Wear breathable clothes: Wearing lightweight cloth like cotton helps better in air circulation and also absorbing body moisture. For both adults and children with eczema, wearing cotton clothing during the hot weather is recommended to avoid flare-ups.
- Use lotion before swimming: to avoid the skin damage secondary to chlorine, one can prepare the skin with a layer of lotion so there is no direct damage to the skin.
- Avoid getting sweaty: sweat contains salts and minerals which can irritate the skin, and start an itching spell. If you know sweat is a trigger for you, avoid activities that make you sweat a lot. You can switch to air-conditioning and indoor activities during extremely hot temperatures to minimize sweating.
- Check the ingredients of your SPF: certain chemical sunscreens can trigger eczema. Instead, opt for physical sunscreens that block the harmful rays of the sun with the help of ingredients like titanium or zinc oxide. Make sure the sun protection factor (SPF) of your sunscreen is also high—at least 30—to ensure you are safe from the harmful rays of the sun.
- Rinse off the triggers: a quick shower can soothe the skin in the hot weather, and also wash away triggers like sweat, chlorine, pollen and other allergens. Be sure to apply lotion after patting yourself dry.
Apart from the hot weather, eczema can also flare during the cold. In the extreme cold, the harsh weather can dry out the skin and trigger itching. Apart from the tips mentioned above, be sure to follow the instructions of experts like a Dermatologist in islamabad.
