Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and itching. During the summer, eczema symptoms can worsen because of the heat, humidity, and increased sweating. To help you manage eczema during the summer months, we’ve put together 5 tips that you can follow.
Type of Eczema
Atopic dermatitis (AD), which is also referred to as atopic eczema or simply eczema, represents the most ubiquitous form of cutaneous disorder. Its prevalence in the United States is estimated to affect approximately one in every five individuals, regardless of age or sex.
Contact dermatitis can occur when you come into contact with an allergen that causes inflammation on your skin. Examples include poison ivy, nickel and fragrance ingredients like linalool and limonene.
Seborrheic dermatitis is another common type of inflammatory rash that causes redness, flaking and itching on areas where there are oil glands such as the scalp or face—especially near hairline creases near the nose area where sebum builds up during hot weather when sweating occurs more frequently than usual due to heat stress levels rising higher than normal because of temperature changes occurring faster than usual because of climate changes happening quicker than expected due.
Tips for Handling Eczema During the Summer
Stay hydrated
This is especially important in the summer, as your skin loses water and nutrients through sweat and other bodily fluids. Use a moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture, avoid activities that cause excessive sweating (such as running or playing sports), take cool showers or baths instead of hot ones if possible, keep skin cool and hydrated by staying out of the sun use a cool compress or wet cloth to soothe itchy or inflamed areas (like eczema patches), drink plenty of water throughout the day—and don’t forget about those electrolytes!
Avoid harsh soaps and detergents
Second, avoid harsh soaps and detergents. These products can irritate the skin of someone with eczema, making it even more prone to dryness and irritation in the summer heat. Besides being labeled “hypoallergenic,” some detergents may also be labeled as “dermatologist tested” or “hypoallergenic.” However, these claims do not mean that they are better for those with sensitive skin; in fact, some people find these soaps harder on their skin than regular ones!
Instead of using highly fragranced or dyed body washes or laundry detergents, — which can irritate — try using milder alternatives instead. Look for a product that is free from dyes and perfumes; this will help reduce any allergic reactions while keeping your clothes smelling fresh all day long!
Wear light, breathable fabrics on the skin
The best fabrics for people living with eczema are those that are lightweight and have good ventilation. These include cotton, silk and linen. Wool, acrylic and polyester should be avoided as they can cause irritation to sensitive skin in warm weather.
Tight-fitting clothing should also be avoided as it restricts airflow around your body, which can lead to overheating – another common trigger for flare-ups of eczema symptoms like rashes or dryness in some people with this condition.
Use moisturizers with ceramides and fatty acids
Moisturizers containing ceramides and fatty acids are natural moisturizers that can help restore the skin barrier. Ceramides are a type of fat that is found naturally in the skin, but when eczema flares up, they’re often lacking. The easiest way to get them back into your routine? Use a moisturizer with ceramides! You can also try adding fish oil supplements or eating foods high in omega-3s (such as salmon) for added benefits.
If you have sensitive skin or have eczema flare-ups from time to time, try choosing a cream with fewer ingredients—you may find that an unscented cream works best for you over something with fragrance added in (though not all fragrances trigger reactions).
Have an eczema treatment plan ready for when flares start to occur
Once you’ve identified the triggers for your eczema and prepared for them, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of how you can treat flare-ups when they occur.
The best way to do this is by having an eczema treatment plan ready in advance so that you’ll know exactly what steps to take when a flare-up happens. Your doctor or dermatologist will recommend which treatments are best for treating your specific type of eczema—but here’s some general advice on how best to manage your condition:
- Use topical steroids (like hydrocortisone) as needed in affected areas only after consulting with a doctor first; steroids should be used sparingly since they can cause side effects like thinning skin and stretch marks if misused.
- Apply moisturizers liberally throughout the day, especially after bathing or showering; these will help keep skin soft without causing irritation.
- Apply barrier ointments before going outdoors so that outdoor elements don’t seep into open sores while also providing protection against further drying out those areas already affected by dryness.
- Use emollient lotions at least twice daily in addition/replacement of other forms such as creams because they don’t contain any alcohols which may irritate sensitive skin types (such as those prone towards eczema). You can purchase these items over-the counter at most drugstores or pharmacies – just check labels carefully before purchasing!
Best Moisturizers for Eczema in Summer
In summer, the skin is prone to drying out and becoming inflamed. This can make eczema worse, so you’ll want to use a moisturizer with ceramides and fatty acids that will help seal in moisture while also protecting your skin from irritation.
Aloe vera gel is another great choice because it’s soothing and cooling on irritated skin. You might also want to look into colloidal oatmeal or lactic acid lotions—both of which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties—or tea tree oil products which have been shown to have antifungal effects on eczema lesions.
Conclusion
So if you’re looking for some tips on how to manage your eczema in the summer, keep these five points in mind. They’ll help keep your skin hydrated, protect it from harsh detergents and soaps, and give it some much-needed moisture with moisturizers that contain ceramides and fatty acids.