Can Eczema Flare-up During Spring? Yes, Here's How To Prevent It
Is spring the season of new beginnings or new flare-ups?
Aside from the freshly budding flowers, springtime also brings lighter nights and warmer days - something that people clamor for after months of combatting the winter cold. However, while the so-called season of new beginnings generally puts everyone in a better mood and feel-good vibe, this time of the year can be dreadful for people with eczema.
Eczema, an inflamed, itchy, or reddish skin rash, occurs on several parts of the body such as elbows, knees, neck, hands, face, and even eyelids. According to the National Eczema Association, over 30 million Americans deal with some form of eczema.
With the arrival of spring, the rising temperatures brought by the changing seasons can cause the skin to become dry and cracked. Sweat also plays a factor in triggering flare-ups, aggravating the discomfort, itching, and swelling brought by eczema.
The Eczema Association of Australasia (EAA) explained that people with eczema often find their skin condition flare-up more in spring due to the influx of allergens suspended in the air and the increasing temperatures.
"The heat is an important factor because people with eczema get hotter than anyone else. The warmer weather also causes us to perspire more, which can aggravate the itching and swelling of eczema," said the EAA, sharing that the constant itching can be accompanied by allergic rhinitis (hay fever) for people affected by flora and fauna.
Although the NEA stated there are those “lucky ones” whose eczema settles during spring, it's still important to protect the skin. Here’s how to minimize eczema triggers during spring.
1. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Since the drier air outside and the rising temperatures can dehydrate the skin, people with eczema can easily feel itchy and irritated. In any season, make it a habit to drink eight glasses of water each day to rehydrate your skin.
2. AVOID LONG SHOWERS
When you take a shower, always limit your bath time to 10 minutes. Soaking your skin from top to bottom for long periods can dry out your skin. Bathing less is always okay.
3. USE A MOISTURIZER
You should always apply a moisturizer within three minutes after taking a lukewarm bath to help lock in moisture and protect your skin. People with eczema should also moisturize again after doing activities that raise a sweat, so make sure to stock up on travel-size moisturizers that you can keep in your pocket.
4. USE SUNSCREENS
The NEA also recommends the use of mineral-based sunscreens to combat eczema flare-ups when going out this spring. They urge people with skin conditions to keep in mind the following tips:
- Apply sunscreen to all uncovered skin like lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet
- Apply 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
- If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head
- Reapply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming.
- Never apply sunscreen to damaged or broken skin.
5. WEAR LOOSE COTTON CLOTHING
On top of all the tips, the clothes you wear also matter in ensuring an allergy-free spring. Always dress in loose clothes to reduce the heat, moisture, and friction in your skin.
More importantly, avoid wearing clothes made from wool, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics as they can irritate your skin and trigger flare-ups. If you're looking for clothes that you can mix and match while combating the changing temperatures and pollen levels, choose our allergy-free organic cotton clothes!
Our GOTS-certified, 100% chemical-free organic cotton collections, ranging from bottoms and tops to accessories and masks, are the perfect fabric for people with eczema. They're undeniably soft, truly hypoallergenic, and entirely free from allergens, latex, spandex, and other harsh chemicals that set off irritations.
Don't let the changing weather patterns stop you from being comfortable on your skin, invest only in 100% organic cotton clothing to help prevent flare-ups. View our collection here.
To know more about how to manage eczema, visit the National Eczema Association. Also, while it’s important to know the precautions one needs to take in order to keep allergies at bay, it's also equally important to know what myths should be avoided. Read our related blog: Spring Allergies And The Myths Behind It.
