Summer is supposed to be the most fun time of the year but for those with eczema and skin sensitivity issues, it can turn out to be the worst. Such instances of increased temperatures and dry air as it is a characteristic of summer periods often take a toll on the skin of people with eczema. This often leads up of the stimulation of a vicious eczema flare-up, which can be very annoying at a time when you are supposed to be having the time of your life.
Looking after your sensitive skin during summer should be one of your priorities and that is why this post is here, to help you through this possibly trying period for your skin and at the same time help you prevent a possible flare-up.
What makes eczema during the summer flare-up?
Summer can be an especially time of the year for a whole lot of people suffering from eczema. The summer period of the year makes people with skin sensitivity issues have it rough because of a number of reasons that are notorious for upsetting symptoms of eczema, making them rise. Some of the factors to watch out for include:
- Sun exposure: Over-exposure to extended periods of sunlight should not only be a matter of concern for people suffering from eczema but also for everyone else. The underlying reason behind this fact is that over-exposure to sunshine means that the rate of UV rays absorption is quite high. UV rays are responsible for causing damage to skin cells. When you are overexposed to such rays, the production of collagen in your body will be harmed, which in the end leads to the creation of more free radical molecules that cause premature ageing and oxidative stress. For everyone else with healthy skin, overexposure could lead to sunburns, leaving your skin inflamed and red in colour. For eczema sufferers, on the other hand, the situation is much worse because it can lead to a drastic loss of hydration leaving the skin very flaky and sore.
- Hot weather: Over the summer, temperatures rise up to 27 degrees Celsius. For eczema sufferers, this is a huge cause for alarm while for everyone else it is the best time to hit the beach. Hot air typically irritates and dries out the epidermis making the skin more vulnerable to inflammation and flaking. On the other hand, rising heat in the air causes sweating. Sweat contains a mixture of sodium, water and lactate. All of these have an effect on your skin. When sweat evaporates from your skin, it leaves it dry because of the loss of fluids while sodium can also irritate the skin. These are just factors that could arouse eczema flare-up.
- Allergens: Plants enjoy pollination over the summer. This is the time when such pollen allergens as allergenic rhinitis and hayfever are notorious. Since your immune system is most sensitive during this period, it will automatically start perceiving any foreign material like pollen as a threat, which means that your immune system will trigger reactions that can cause such symptoms as dry eyes, congestion and coughing. There has also been some link between the vulnerability to eczema flare-up and hayfever. This is because eczema sufferers have a skin defect that makes the penetration of allergens into the body relatively easy. The end result is triggered by the inflammatory reaction.
Tips for preventing eczema flare-up over the summer
Now that you understand why your sensitive skin possible acts up over the summer period, you can now start thinking of the best way to enjoy the summer while taking care of your skin. Here are 8 tips to get you going and avoid an increase in eczema rashes during summer.
1. Always moisturise
This is possibly one of the most effective summer eczema treatment methods. Your list of discoid eczema treatment should never lack moisturising. Your skin is already prone to flaking and dryness because of the loss of hydration. The best way to beat the loss of hydration is to ensure that you always carry with you an ultra-nourishing moisturiser like sond sensitive skin care and liberally apply it to your skin all through the day. Just watch out for skincare products that come with parabens and unwanted chemicals that would otherwise upset your skin.
2. Wipe your sweat away
When the temperatures are up there, your body will automatically trigger sweating to cool your body down. Accumulation of sweat on your skin could potentially irritate your skin. For eczema sufferers, taking shower to get rid of the sweat might not be the best options because it may do more harm than good on your skin. Ultimately, the best way to go about this is by using a non-abrasive and soft towel to wipe away the sweat. Always remember to keep with you’re a clean piece to wipe sweat when it gathers on your skin.
3. Use a natural sun cream
If you anticipate that you are going to be exposed to the sun for extended periods, it is important to protect your skin from excessive UV radiation by applying plenty of sun cream on your body. Just like with your moisturiser, be careful with the sun cream you choose because it will ultimately go a long way in influencing your eczema symptoms. It is no news that some creams could contain potentially harmful chemicals that could cause damage to your skin.
4. Strive to keep your skin cool
This is to prevent inflammation and irritation of your skin. That is why professional practitioners always recommend that people store their lotions and gels in their fridges so that they are cool when you apply them. A cold compress with a towel could also do the trick to help to ease discomfort or itchiness but just not on broken skin.
5. Wear loose clothing
Wearing tight clothing is attributed to the agitation of the skin, especially over the summer. In most cases, tight clothing increase your body temperature making your skin more vulnerable to eczema flare-ups. That is why it is important that you choose to go for loose clothing over this period. Clothing with lighter shades of colours is also advisable. Avoid wearing dark colours or clothing made out of synthetic material since they attract and absorb more sunlight making your body vulnerable to UV radiation.
6. Drink plenty of fluids
It is always easy to lose sight of keeping your body always hydrated. It is actually the time of the year that you should keep fluids like fruit juices, cocktails and fizzy drinks closer to allow continuous hydration. When you forget or drink less of fluids, chances are that you will become dehydrated thus making your skin susceptible to harm.
7. Always treat any symptoms of allergy
If you suffer from any of the allergies that are notorious over the summer, it is important that you consider tackling their symptoms as soon as they come. You could use a pollen forecast to make sure you stay ahead by tracking pollen levels in your location. There are a variety of options to remedy the symptoms to ensure that they don’t get you vulnerable to eczema flare-ups.
8. Avoid staying or going out at certain times
Strive to schedule your activities in a way that the centre in the morning hours of the day or later in the evenings so that you only go out or stay out when it’s cooler and friendlier on your skin. During the mornings and late evenings, the sun’s rays aren’t as strong compared to the peak hours of the day especially between 10 am and 3 pm. This is when the sun’s rays are strongest thus detrimental to your skin.