Eczema can be an unpredictable condition accompanied by itchy uncomfortable skin, which can be aggravated by dry heating systems and outdoor air during the winter. However, for others, it’s the hot weather, sweat, and outdoor allergens that can ignite a bout of itching, rashes, and other symptoms. This can put a damper on a more carefree and fun-loving season. The following steps can help you ward off the worst of warm weather effects on eczema.
Those with eczema should definitely be able to enjoy vacation and have a relaxing time. In fact, relaxation reduces stress, thereby helping curtail skin’s irritation. Those with this condition just have to take certain precautions both before and after warm weather activities.
Dry skin can contribute to an eczema flare-up. If you are prone to dry skin, shower in lukewarm water and limit the amount of time to 5-10 minutes and only once a day. Use mild, fragrance-free, or hydrating cleansers. You don’t need to lather up from head to toe, but rather focus on areas that accumulate oil, sweat, and debris, as well as body odor sites. Dab yourself lightly with a towel, and while skin is still damp post-shower, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Use fragrance-free and dye-free laundry detergent as well. During the summer months, when you’re sweating, a bit of laundry detergent always tends to leach into the skin. Wearing l00% cotton clothing will also help control sweat, which can leave a salty residue when it dries. This often leads to itching and aggravated skin.
In general, you want to regulate your body temperature as much as possible. Stay in the shade and use air conditioning to prevent getting overheated. After physical activities that cause you to perspire, take a cool shower to rinse the sweat off. This advice also applies to swimming in a pool. Regarding sunscreen, those with eczema are best off using a physical sunscreen or mineral formula that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. They feel cooler on your skin and can be less irritating than chemical formulas.
Despite your best prevention, eczema can still flare up. There is a variety of over-the-counter treatments available for mild conditions, i.e. gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and hydrocortisone creams. Pantothenic acid, a dietary supplement found in many health food stores, can also be beneficial. If that doesn’t work, see a dermatologist, who can customize an individual program for you. He or she may prescribe topical corticosteroids or non-steroidal topical medications or others that are geared towards calming the immune system so skin is less inflamed.
For bad cases of eczema, phytotherapy, which uses certain forms of UV light, may be beneficial. Also, a new, highly-targeted biologic type of treatment made from living tissues was recently approved for eczema. This actually targets the underlying sources of inflammation and is not an immunosuppressant or steroid. Dupixent is a biologic that continuously treats eczema from the inside, even between flare-ups.
With various treatments and strategies that can help, there’s no need to suffer during this hot, humid, and muggy summer.
Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.
