Most of the time, eczema (atopic dermatitis) is at its worst in the winter. Hot weather causes body temperatures to soar and can make eczema worse. Learn what you need to do to manage your eczema as the weather gets warmer. Several factors can contribute to this. In some cases, eczema can become worse by ultraviolet light. This is not often the case, but a small number of patients will experience flaring of their eczema when exposed to ultraviolet light, particularly the sun’s rays.
Managing Eczema in Warm Weather Dermatology Specialists Omaha
Summer humidity can improve eczema, while dry winter weather can worsen it. Environmental factors play a role in skin conditions. However, excessive sweating, higher temperatures, and warmer weather will worsen eczema symptoms in some people. Finally, exposure to chlorinated water in swimming pools can also worsen eczema by irritating sensitive skin.
How To Manage Eczema in The Warm Summer Weather
At Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, we treat patients with eczema year-round in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding communities. We have tips to help you manage your eczema better in the warmer months.
The best dermatology specialists in Omaha know that when it comes to keeping eczema in check, moisture is the key. Not enough moisture equals dry skin, and the rash worsens. But there are good sources of moisture and bad sources of moisture. Learn the difference here.
Sweat & Eczema
Sweat itself is generally a bad type of moisture for eczema. Of course, we sweat more when it’s warm outside or in a place with little air conditioning. The chemical composition of sweat can irritate the skin.
When sweat evaporates from our skin, the electrolytes left behind are irritating. They can also irritate the free nerve endings on the skin of people with eczema. The activity in these nerves triggers more of the itching sensation. Through both pathways, sweating can worsen eczema.
Also, similarly, the chemical composition of pool water can irritate eczema. Many people consider chlorine an eczema trigger, making the skin dry.
Taking a cool shower can help calm itchy skin and won’t strip the skin’s natural moisture like a hot shower will.
Sun Exposure Hot Temperatures & Managing Eczema in Warm Weather
When it comes to the sun, at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands we generally don’t recommend getting sun exposure for improving eczema. This is because ultraviolet light can sometimes make eczema flare worse.
Also, ultraviolet light can have inherent risks. These risks can include sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.
We recommend that all of our patients practice sun-safe measures. This includes:
- Minimize sun exposure during the peak daylight hours from 10 AM to 6 PM in the summer months.
- Wear a broad-spectrum skin barrier sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide create a barrier and reflect the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays.
- Seeking shade when possible and stay cool
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat
- Wearing loose-fitting sun-protective clothing
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Use skincare products that protect your skin from the sun
Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands | Best Dermatology Specialists Omaha & Council Bluffs, IA | Board Certified Dermatologists
We hope these tips help you better manage your eczema during the warmer months of the year. If you are still struggling, consider seeing us here at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands where we have extensive expertise and experience in managing all types of eczema in every season. Remember if you still have a concern, all of our dermatology providers here at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands are here to help. Schedule a consultation today to receive professional medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
