Summer Skin Tips

Why is summer such a tricky time for eczema? For one, increased heat and humidity can lead to more sweating. Sweating is enemy No 1 for eczema-prone skin in the summer, because it can lead to increased aggravation. Sweat contains various salts that can be irritating to broken skin, such as eczema skin, and sweat can contain zinc, copper, iron, nickel, cadmium, lead, manganese, sodium, and chloride, and when these build up, irritation could result. You may notice eczema worsens mainly in areas where moisture gets trapped, such as the elbows, the back of the neck, or the backs of the knees.

Sweat also makes the skin very dry, and dry skin is itchy skin. This dry skin environment then attracts bacteria to live on the skin’s surface. When we itch, the bacteria gets into the skin causing inflammation and often infection.

Secondly, an increase in allergens in the environment — pollen, for example — can incite histamine release, which causes itching. Jumping into the water and slathering on sunscreen — two common summertime habits — can also cause the eczema you thought you had under control to go into turmoil.

Thirdly, we are in holiday mode and are often taking breaks, and out of our regular environments and routines, including our regular eczema skincare routine.

Here are some tips for managing eczema in the Summer:

• Stay cool and avoid sweating by sticking to the shade or inside during the hottest time of the day.
• Be sure to drink plenty of water. That will help keep your body at a normal temperature.
• Change out of wet clothing as soon as you can, if you feel perspiration on your clothing swap your wet clothes for dry ones and reapply moisturiser and sunblock.
• Use an air purifier to battle environmental triggers and decrease the presence of dust and other allergens.
• Rinse off immediately after you go swimming, bring a spray bottle and reapply moisturiser and sunscreen regularly.
• Bathe or shower daily to keep skin clean. Always be sure to use a suitable soap free wash and moisturise.
• Moisturise with ceramides to restore the skin’s barrier. A moisturiser that contains ceramides can help restore the skin’s protective barrier and hydration.
• Put your skin creams in the fridge, if the skin is hot, try putting cold moisturiser onto your skin.
• Ice blocks are your new best friend. Freeze pure fruit juices to make your own icy poles. If you are on a dairy-free diet, look out for soy or dairy free ice cream.
• Going swimming? Be prepared and moisturise half an hour before getting in the water. Moisturise after getting out of the water.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats and loose, cotton or other breathable fabrics in light colours to reflect the sun and stay cool.
• Use antihistamines to combat seasonal and environmental allergies.
• Keep up your regular eczema skincare routine and make sure you have emergency supplies handy.
• Consider phototherapy to help prevent flares. This treatment option uses ultraviolet light, which is the same as sunlight minus the damaging aspects.
• Be picky about the ingredients found in your moisturiser, sunblock, and insect repellent. Some might contain harsh chemicals that could aggravate your skin.

Choosing a physical sunscreen (sometimes called a mineral sunscreen) versus a chemical one is the best option for people with eczema. Some chemical sunscreens can be irritating to sensitive skin, and physical sunscreens are also more moisturising.

We do not recommend any one sunscreen, as what suits one person will not necessarily suit another. It is always advisable to patch test any new sunscreen.

Although ridding your life of stress won’t eliminate your eczema altogether, it will help alleviate some of the common symptoms of this disease.

The information in this article was obtained from
www.everydayhealth.com
www.kidspot.com.au
www.nationaleczema.org
www.vogue.com.au

This Information Sheet is provided as a service by the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc to give up-to-date, practical help on certain types of eczema or a particular aspect of its treatment. These Sheets are part of our membership package.

It is not the policy of the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc to recommend or endorse any product or treatment. It is part of the role of the Association to provide information on a wide range of products and treatments to keep those involved with eczema as fully informed as possible as to all options available. For medical advice, consult your health professional.