Dry winter temperatures are known to exacerbate eczema symptoms, but what about the heat of summer? While the sun definitely has some advantages for eczema prone skin, summer presents some challenges of its own.
But suffering from eczema doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beach days, pool parties, and everything else we love about summer! Read on to discover our best tips for dealing with eczema in summer, including protecting your skin with the best eczema summer clothing.
Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
What Happens to Eczema During Summer?
There’s no doubt that climate and weather affect our skin. According to a 2017 study, exposing skin to the sun can help reduce eczema symptoms by releasing a compound known as nitric oxide which has anti-inflammatory properties. That being said, sun exposure should still be kept to minimum and proper sun protection should be implemented, especially during peak hours. Not only can a sunburn exacerbate inflammation, but it can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
Remember that everyone’s body is unique. While some people report fewer flare ups during the warmer months, others note that their eczema worsens.
Dealing with Sweat-Induced Eczema
One of the reasons eczema may get worse in the summer is that humidity and warmer temperatures mean that the body tends to sweat more. Sweat is actually a common eczema trigger. This is because perspiration leaves a salty residue on the skin which can cause dehydration and lead to stinging and itchiness. The most common places where sweat-induced eczema occurs are areas where moisture gets trapped. This includes the back of the neck, back of the knees, and creases of elbows.
To avoid sweat-induced eczema, we recommend drinking lots of water, doing your best to stay cool, wearing breathable fabrics, and rinsing off immediately after exercising or being sweaty.
What to Wear with Eczema in Summer
When dealing with a flare-up, it can be tempting to try to cover up and hide your skin. However, this can be counterproductive. Remember we said that UV light has anti-inflammatory properties? In small doses, the sun can speed up your skin’s healing process. Plus, overdressing may result in overheating. This can cause chafing or sweaty irritation!
In addition, it’s important to avoid dyes that can further irritate your sensitive skin. Natural fabrics and hypoallergenic dyes are best. Finally, avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.
The Best Eczema Summer Clothing
We love Remedywear™ because all garments are made with soft, breathable material. Plus, they offer the perfect summer solution for combatting the sun as all Remedywear™ clothing offer 35-50+ UV protection.
Remedywear™ (TENCEL + Zinc) Gloves–Trying to sleep on a hot summer’s night is hard, but trying to sleep on a hot summer’s night when you have eczema is even worse. This is partly because skin tends to feel itchier at night which can be related to temperature. If you’re having trouble stopping yourself from scratching, we recommend these Remedywear™ gloves for adults and kids. Made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, they truly fit like a second skin. We also offer fingerless gloves for adults and kids.
References:
https://nationaleczema.org/earning-place-sun/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/eczema/strategies-avoiding-ecz
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/clothing-to-wear-with-eczema-skin-rashesema-flare-ups-summer/
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Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
