Are you noticing that your eczema tends to flare up in certain seasons? Whether it’s the dryness of the winter air, the heat of summer, or the pollen of spring, the seasons can negatively affect people’s skin. For example, it’s common for eczema symptoms to peak in the winter and gradually recede as spring comes back around.
In this blog post, we discuss seasonal atopic dermatitis in more detail, including:
- What causes eczema anyway?
- Winter and Eczema
- How can you manage seasonal dermatitis?
Read on to learn more about seasonal eczema and how you can manage symptoms using safe and natural remedies.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition characterized by red, dry, and itchy patches of skin. It usually develops during childhood but can also appear in adults. While research can’t pinpoint exactly what causes this inflammatory skin condition, it’s believed to be linked to a combination of genetics and environmental factors. For example, pet fur, mold, chemicals found in household cleaning or beauty products, sweat, and certain foods can trigger the onset of eczema. Extreme weather conditions can also lead to flare ups.
Your Skin and the Weather
Your skin goes through a lot – including managing changes in the weather. For many people, it’s common to notice a downward turn in the skin as the weather gets cooler during the autumn and winter months. Eczema flare ups may occur more frequently or be more intense. This can occur due to a few reasons.
To start with, cold temperatures and dry air can wreak havoc on your skin, even if you’re not predisposed to eczema. You may notice your skin feels drier and subsequently itchier during the winter. In addition, switching between windy outdoor air and an indoor heating system can further dry out your skin, causing flare ups.
Flare ups can also be caused by wearing too many layers of clothing which can lead to sweaty irritation. Wooly jumpers may be another culprit for people with sensitive skin. Taking hot baths or using too many bed coverings, which are both things that people are likely to do during the winter, can also contribute to eczema flare ups. Finally, a vitamin D deficiency may also affect your skin during dark winter months.
Eczema through the Seasons
It’s not just the winter that can affect your skin. While the return of the sun and warmer temperatures can improve your eczema, it can also make it worse. During the spring, this is likely due to seasonal pollen which is a common eczema trigger.
In addition, for some people, the heat of summer can cause their symptoms to flare. Summer heat can lead to sweating – another common eczema trigger. Summer eczema can also flare up due to swimming in chlorinated pools or because of the drying effects of air conditioning.
The Best Seasonal Eczema Treatment
Whether it’s the cool winter temperatures, seasonal pollen or the heat of summer that’s causing your eczema to flare up during the seasons, it’s important to try to pinpoint your environmental triggers and minimize your exposure as much as possible.
Here are some ways to manage seasonal eczema:
Avoid Hot Baths:
Hot water has a tendency to further dry out the skin. While a hot bath or shower may sound tempting, especially during the winter, we recommend using lukewarm water instead.
Use a Natural Soap:
To avoid harsh ingredients or chemicals irritating your sensitive skin, switch to a natural soap like this Grass Fed Tallow Soap. Extremely nourishing, it’s perfect for people with sensitive skin, allergy prone skin, and eczema.
Drink Water:
Keeping your body hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day can help keep your skin moisturized and reduce the impact of eczema flare ups.
Keep the Skin Moisturized:
Be sure to adapt your skincare routine with the seasons. This may mean moisturizing more often during the winter. We recommend our Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream because of its powerful yet gentle effect on dry skin. Free from burning or stinging, it helps combat dry skin like a dream.
Manage your seasonal itch today
If your eczema tends to flare up during certain seasons, give these natural remedies a try to find relief today.
