5 Ways to Manage Eczema During a Heat Wave, According to Dermatologists …C0NTINUE READING HERE >>>
Key Takeaways
A scorching heat wave has hit the U.S., making it an especially uncomfortable summer for people with eczema and sensitive skin.Extreme temperatures can make eczema worse by compromising the skin barrier. Dermatologists recommend staying hydrated, wearing loose clothing, and moisturizing your skin to prevent and manage eczema flare-ups during hot weather.
In the past week, the United States has experienced a scorching heat wave, with some cities in the Midwest, Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and West hitting record-breaking temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
High temperatures don't just make life generally more uncomfortable, but the combination of sweat, humidity, and heat also creates unfavorable conditions for people with sensitive skin, especially those with eczema.
What's the best way to manage eczema during a heat wave? Here's what dermatologists recommend for preventing flare-ups.
Why Eczema Flares Happen
People with eczema already have a compromised skin barrier, but extreme temperatures further disrupt it, Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego, California, told Verywell.
“Hot weather also increases sweating, which contains chemicals like sodium, chloride, nickel, and cadmium that cause skin irritation, worsening eczema,” said Shirazi. “Furthermore, heat causes water loss from the skin, dehydrating skin cells and depleting the moisture barrier. in the process,”
In other words, since people with eczema have sensitive skin to begin with, they're really going to feel the effects of summer weather conditions on their skin during a flare.
Tips for Managing Eczema Flares in Summer
The same expert-backed recommendations for dealing with extra-sensitive skin during a heat wave can also help prevent flare-ups in the first place.
Moisturize
Shirazi emphasizes the importance of applying moisturizer to help your skin stay hydrated and strengthen the skin barrier. That's even more important when you're dealing with increased water loss from skin cells in hot weather. Ideally, you want to moisturize immediately after a bath and frequently throughout the day.
Emily Becker, MD, an assistant professor in the division of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, recommends using products with the National Eczema Association “seal of acceptance,” which shows that a product has undergone rigorous testing and is suitable for people with eczema or sensitive skin.
Becker also advises avoiding moisturizers or products with irritants, such as:
Fragrances PerfumesDyes
Wear Breathable, Loose Clothing
Shirazi and Becker both suggest sticking to loose and lightweight clothing when the temperatures are rising.
“Lightweight clothing and breathable fabrics are best for eczema, such as cotton and bamboo,” said Becker. A natural fiber, cotton is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. For undergarments, Shirazi said that silk and loose, breathable sports bras are great because they don't rub the skin in common chafing areas. Textiles like polyester and wool can create friction and further irritate skin.
And if you're thinking of updating to a more skin-friendly summer wardrobe, Shirazi said you should also “wash new clothing before wearing it to remove any chemicals or irritants.”
Stay Hydrated
It doesn't take long to feel the effects of dehydration in hot weather, and that includes your skin.
“Staying hydrated is really important for overall body health and for the skin barrier, which is already prone to compromise in eczema-prone skin types,” said Shirazi. “Adequate hydration strengthens the skin barrier, which acts as a defense against eczema triggers.”
Take Cool Showers
Sweat can bother eczematic skin, and cool showers are the perfect antidote, Jason Miller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and a regional medical director for Schweiger Dermatology Group, told Verywell. Taking a shower can also wash off sweat after a workout session and cleanse your skin of irritating chemicals like chlorine after a dip in the pool.
You probably won't feel like a warmer shower on a hot day, but in case you do, remember that hot water can dry out and irritate your skin.
Use Air Conditioning Safely
Dermatologists recommend staying indoors with air conditioning as much as possible—but with some important safety considerations.
While air conditioning is safe for people with eczema and does help keep the skin cool and prevent sweat, Shirazi cautioned that AC can also reduce indoor humidity, which can dry out your skin.
“I'd suggest using a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels,” said Shirazi, adding that it's also important to avoid irritating chemicals used for AC cleaning and maintenance.
When to See a Dermatologist for Heat-Related Eczema Flares
If heat-related eczema flares don't get better with over-the-counter (OTC) products or skincare routine, it's best to check in with your dermatologist. Other tell-tale signs it's time to make an appointment are increased pain, swelling, or oozing.
A dermatologist can prescribe prescription medication, if needed, to help with symptoms. Miller also pointed out that a check-up with a healthcare provider helps make sure that you haven't been misdiagnosed with eczema. For example, you could have ringworm or allergic contact dermatitis—both of which would need different treatments.
If you do have eczema, a dermatologist can tailor a skincare routine to your needs, identify potential triggers, and help you make informed lifestyle and skincare routine changes so that you can have a more enjoyable summer.
What This Means For You
Hot weather and humid conditions can make summer miserable, especially if you already have sensitive skin from eczema. If you're having a flare that's not improving with OTC treatments or a skincare routine, it's best to talk to a dermatologist—especially if you have increased pain, swelling, or oozing.
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