Eczema and the Weather

Thursday, July 10th

If you suffer from eczema, you likely already know that the disorder can be exasperated by common materials, activities and even the weather. While it can be challenging to avoid all of the triggers that may make your skin rash worse, it is very important to do all that you can to keep your eczema under control.

Since eczema can be triggered by sweat, physical activity can be a challenge. Climates that are especially humid or warm can also be hard to deal with. But there are some things that you can do to keep your eczema under control while at the same time trying to live a normal life.

Cold Weather and Eczema

Cold, dry conditions can lead to cracked and painful skin conditions in people with otherwise healthy skin, so imagine how hard these weather conditions must be on an eczema sufferer. Here are just a few ways that you can make the cold weather more bearable:

Be sure to use plenty of moisturizer. Try using a heavy moisturizer with a higher content of oil as the cold wind can zap your skin of vital moisture.
Continue to use sun block even on not so sunny days. You would be surprised by how much UV light you can be exposed to on even the cloudiest days.
Make sure that you cover as much of your skin as you possibly can before going out in the cold.
Use a humidifier.
Dress with a cotton layer closest to the skin surface if you are bundling up to go outside. If your hands sweat, put on a pair of cotton gloves under your regular gloves to soak up any sweat.
Avoid extremely hot showers that will zap your skin of moisture and be sure to moisturize immediately after exiting the shower.

Warm Weather and Eczema

As mentioned earlier, sweat can be a major trigger of eczema symptoms. For this reason, extra care is needed during the warm months. Follow these tips to keep your eczema under control:

Wear light, airy clothes to avoid sweating.
Sleep with fewer clothes on and use light sheets to avoid night sweats.
Be sure to keep your air conditioning set to a cool temperature.
Use sun block every day and avoid going out in intense heat and sun.
Avoid strenuous activities on hot or humid days. Try to keep sweating to a minimum.
Try to choose activities that will not result in a lot of sweating.
Save outdoor physical activities for the evening after it has cooled off.
Use cold, wet rags or compresses to relieve itching and irritation.
If you swim, apply an emollient both before you take the plunge. Make sure that you shower immediately after leaving the pool to remove any chlorine on your skin and follow up with a moisturizer.

Granted, taking care of your eczema can be quite a chore especially when the weather is less than favorable. But by following these pointers you can decrease the amount of flare ups that you have and lessen their impact on your skin and life.

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Eczema Product FAQ

What is eczema?

Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin. The main symptom is a rash that is usually found on the arms or behind the knees, but it can appear anywhere on the body. The skin will usually feel dry and bumpy and may appear cracked.

What causes eczema?

Eczema is usually developed in early childhood and is most common with people who have a family history of the condition. There are certain triggers that can cause eczema to flare up like certain soaps, detergents, wool, dry skin, heat, or emotional stress. Allergens like dust mites, molds, pollen, or food can also be the reason that eczema appears. It is often hard to identify the exact reason that you or your child has eczema.

Is eczema a harmful condition?

If you have eczema, it will not cause any harm to the other areas of your body unless it's left alone and eventually causes a skin infection. The main reason this is a condition people want to get rid of is because it can be extremely uncomfortable. Itching may be intense and scratching only further irritates the skin and causes sores.

How can I get rid of eczema?

Experts usually recommend avoiding soap and other irritants if you're experiencing eczema. These can dry out the skin and make the problem worse. To fully heal from eczema, you may be offered prescription medicines from a doctor, but these could be expensive. Fortunately, there are many highly-rated, safely-developed options you can find online to find fast relief from your eczema.

Are eczema products safe?

Yes! The eczema products available online are developed specifically to nourish skin and heal eczema without causing any further damage or side effects. Some formulas are made with 100% natural ingredients derived from plant sources. You're more likely to find a treatment without harsh chemicals online than if you use a prescription from a doctor.

How much do eczema products cost?

Effective eczema treatments can cost as little as $10! Depending on how severe your case is and how many areas of eczema need to be treated, you may need to purchase a few bottles of an oil or cream, but you'll find that no matter the route you go, you won't pay much. Eczema is a condition that can be treated affordably and quickly.

How are eczema products applied?

Most eczema products come in the form of a cream, serum, or ointment. They are applied directly onto the skin, covering the affected areas. You might be recommended to use some products more than once per day for maximum results, but it takes as little as 1 or 2 minutes for a treatment.

What if I try an eczema product that doesn't work for me?

If you don't have success with the eczema product you use, check to see if it came with a money-back guarantee. Many companies stand by their products with an offer to get a refund if you weren't satisfied with your results. If not, you probably didn't lose too much money since eczema products are so affordable; try a new cream or ointment in hopes that it works better.