Most of the time, eczema (atopic dermatitis) is at its worst in the winter. Yet in some cases in hot weather when the body temperatures soar, eczema may be worse for certain people. There are several reasons for this skin condition to worsen for eczema sufferers. In some cases, eczema can be made worse by ultraviolet light. Usually this is not the case, but a small number of patients will experience flaring of their eczema when exposed to ultraviolet light through any source, particularly sunlight.
Managing Eczema in Warm Weather Dermatology Specialists Omaha
Higher humidity levels in the summer often help eczema, as opposed to dry winter weather which makes it worse. However, the sweating that goes along with higher and warm temperatures will worsen eczema symptoms in some people. Finally, exposure to chlorinated water in swimming pools can also worsen eczema by irritating the skin.
What do you do in the summer months to best manage your eczema?
At Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands in Omaha, Council Bluffs and the surrounding communities, we treat patients with eczema year-round. Based on our experience we will give you some pearls of wisdom to make you better able to control your eczema in the warmer months of the year. The best dermatology specialists in Omaha know that when it comes to keeping eczema in check, moisture is the key. Too little moisture, dry skin, and the rash worsens. But there are good sources of moisture and bad sources of moisture.
Sweat & Eczema
Sweat itself is generally a bad type of moisture for eczema. Of course, we sweat more when it’s warm outside, or we are in a place with little air conditioning, and the chemical composition of sweat can irritate the skin. When sweat evaporates from our skin, the electrolytes left behind are irritating. They can also trigger irritation in the free nerve endings that are exposed in some inflamed areas 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, in a very similar way, the chemical composition of pool water can also irritate eczema. Chlorine is considered an eczema trigger and does so by making the skin dry.
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 the purpose of improving eczema. This is because ultraviolet light can make eczema flare worse in a small subset of patients. It is also because ultraviolet light can have inherent risks—including premature aging of the skin and predisposing to skin cancer.
We recommend that all of our patients practice sun safe measures including trying to minimize sun exposure during the peak daylight hours from 10 AM to 6 PM in the warm summer months. We also recommend that when sun exposure is expected, wearing a broad-spectrum skin barrier sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Seeking shade, wearing a broad-brimmed hat, and wearing sun protective clothing, and skin care products can also help protect your skin from the sun, keeping it healthier.
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.
