Transitions are hard. If you’re one of the 31 million people living with eczema, for example, you know how challenging it can be to keep your skin flare-free when transitioning between seasons. Going from spring to summer comes with a lot more humidity, which makes skin sweatier, redder, and itchier. Winter comes with dry indoor heat that does atopic dermatitis no favors whatsoever … and there are plenty of other seasonal changes that can negatively affect eczema, but they don’t have to. How do you go from season to season with few or no eczema flares? Let us explain.
Spring’s Biggest Challenge
Springtime is the season of renewal and growth. There are birds, bees, and cherry blossom trees. But for approximately 81 million people in the United States, it’s also the season of allergies complete with sniffles, watery eyes, and itchy skin. Here’s the thing: When spring hits, so does pollen. Plants and trees start to release the yellow powder into the air, which can trigger some individuals’ immune systems to become overactive, leading to inflammation and irritation of the skin. The result? Eczema flare-ups.
You might think pollen does all of its damage when you inhale it, but not so fast: According to research published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, pollen allergens are also able to enter the skin through hair follicles and generally can stay there up to one week (even if you’ve showered), causing an itch flare cycle that seems to last forever. But it doesn’t have to.
Prep Steps
Stay hydrated. Here’s another reason to keep your water bottle topped off. By drinking enough water, we can help to keep our body’s natural defenses functioning properly, which can help to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. Water can help to flush out allergens and other irritants from the body, while also reducing inflammation and promoting healthy immune function.
Avoid allergens. If you know you are allergic to certain plants or trees, it’s common sense to try to limit your exposure to them. Anna Chacon, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, FL, suggests using apps like Pollen.com’s Allergy Alert or Weather.com’s Allergy Tracker to keep tabs on the pollen forecast in your area. “Use prescribed medications: If your eczema symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral medications to help manage your symptoms,” she says. If you absolutely can’t avoid pollen exposure because you have to, well, live your life, ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter meds like antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays that help calm inflammation and irritation throughout your body.
Summer’s Biggest Challenge
For many people with eczema, summer can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the warmer weather and increased humidity can be beneficial for the skin, as it helps to prevent dryness and flakiness. On the other hand, the increased sweating and exposure to the sun can trigger eczema flare-ups.
Excessive sweating can lead to itching and irritation, especially in areas where the skin folds, such as the elbows, knees, and neck. In addition, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn and further damage to the skin, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
While sunlight can have a positive effect on the skin by increasing vitamin D production and reducing inflammation, it can also cause skin damage and increase the risk of eczema flare-ups. This is especially true for those who are sensitive to UV radiation or have a history of sunburn. And just like a sunburn, eczema flare-ups can be cumulative, says Dr. Chacon, developing 30 minutes to many hours or even days following sun exposure. Since complete sun avoidance is out of the question, there are some sun smarts to keep in mind.
Prep Steps
Keep your cool. To manage eczema during the summer, it is important to stay cool and dry by wearing loose-fitting clothing made of breathable, natural fabric like cotton, silk or linen. These fabrics will help you to avoid excessive sweating. Tight-fitting or synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and rayon can trap heat and moisture against the skin, leading to irritation and exacerbation of eczema symptoms.
Don’t skimp on sunscreen. Applying a sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or more) can also help to protect the skin from sun damage. But not just any sunscreen will do. Look for a sunscreen that’s fragrance-free and contains a physical barrier like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that are less likely to cause irritation. Here are some to try:
Fall’s Biggest Challenge
Forty-one percent of U.S. adults say that fall is their favorite season of the year, per a survey of more than 2,000 people by the firm Morning Consult. It makes a lot of sense—the leaves turn beautiful colors, pumpkin flavor is everywhere, and the air is cool and crisp. But if you’re living with eczema, fall might not be your fave. As the weather cools down, the air becomes drier, which can lead to dehydration of the skin. This can cause the skin to become itchy, and irritated, which can worsen eczema. In addition, the use of indoor heating systems can also contribute to dry air, further exacerbating symptoms.
Another way that autumn affects eczema is through your change in wardrobe. “Certain fabrics, particularly wool and synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, cause overheating, sweating and irritation, which can make eczema worse,” says Angela Lamb, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. “Rough seams, fibers, and fastenings can also pose a problem to those who have sensitive skin.” The rubbing of these fabrics against the skin can cause friction, leading to eczema flare-ups.
Prep Steps
Avoid wool and synthetic fabrics. Choose clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton or silk to avoid irritation. The fibers of wool can be rough and abrasive, and when they come into contact with the skin, they can cause itching and redness, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms. If wool must be worn, it’s best to layer it over a soft cotton or silk fabric to create a barrier between the wool and the skin.
Take precautions during outdoor activities. Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants to protect your skin from environmental triggers. And layer on moisturizer. Best kind to use for the fall? A thick, fragrance-free one that contains ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. These ingredients can help to lock in moisture and soothe dry, itchy skin. Check out our moisture manual for more eczema self-care tips.
Winter’s Biggest Challenge
The one thing that makes winter months much more tolerable—indoor heat—is also the one thing that exacerbates eczema the most during those months. “Cold air, wind, and a decrease in humidity can all dry out skin,” says Dr. Lamb. Top that with dry, warm indoor heat, and your skin can barely catch a moisture break throughout the day, which can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and irritated.
More time indoors also means your skin is exposed to more indoor allergens, like dust mites. That makes this the ideal time to throw rugs and bedding (where those skin-bothering bugs like to hang out) in the washer and investing in zip-on covers to seal off pillows and mattresses to protect your skin.
In addition, winter is also a time when many people experience stress due to the holidays, work deadlines, and other factors. Stress can cause the immune system to become overactive, leading to inflammation and irritation of the skin. This can result in eczema flare-ups for those who are already predisposed to the condition. You don’t have to be left out in the cold—there are some simple ways you can get ahead of the winter effects on your skin.
Prep Steps
Boost hydration. Indoor heating consists of radiated heat or forced air, which promotes evaporation of water off the skin surface, says Dr. Lamb. “The best way to combat this is to use a humidifier to raise the percentage of water in the ambient air.” Another thing to incorporate during the winter: Apply moisturizer immediately after hopping out of the shower or bath. This move locks moisture into your skin so it doesn’t evaporate into the cold dry air so quickly.
Manage stress (when you can). A study review published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Vernerology found that stress can exacerbate eczema symptoms by activating the body's stress response system, which can lead to inflammation and increased itchiness. Get ahead of the anxious winter vibes by practicing stress management techniques such as meditation, exercise, or talking to a therapist to reduce stress and prevent flare-ups. Easy? Nope, not even. But well worth the effort to get your eczema under control—not just this month, but all year long.
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