Eczema is highly affected by the temperature, so what are the best methods for managing Eczema in extreme temperatures? Whether it is very hot or very cold, we need to be careful in how we approach these climates.
Hot temperatures can stimulate itchiness through sweat. Sweat can lure bacteria and unwanted chemicals in your skin. In very cold temperatures, the moisture in the air decreases. What is the weather like in your country year round? Note the changes in the weather, and see how it affects your skin.
This does mean we cannot enjoy extreme weathers! We just need to approach and prepare for these climates to prevent any unwanted symptoms or flare ups.
Hot Weather
I live in Hong Kong and my skin thrives in the hot weather because of the high humidity. However, it must be noted that sweat can seriously affect our skin and must manage it carefully.
Our body’s natural defense mechanism against warm temperatures is sweat. When we sweat, traces of minerals like nickel can be found in sweat. These chemicals are the reason why our skin may flare up after a hot day in the sun or after a big workout.
Sweat can accumulate and can stay on our bodies for longer than expected. When we sweat, our clothes can absorb the sweat which is not ideal. Sweat can also be collected in skin folds. The worst outcome of sweat is the itchiness, which is triggered from the reflexes in the skin.
So what can we do to help our skin thrive under hot weather?
- Keeping ourselves dry. Bring a towel or wet wipes to clear the sweat. This will remove the chemicals that are being released by the body. I highly recommend focusing on your joints, face and neck.
- Shower if you can. When we sweat, it is best to go for a shower and do a thorough cleaning of our body. We can reduce the amount of chemicals on our skin and retain the moisture that is being lost.
- Pick the right clothes. Your skin must be able to breath. When we sweat, we lose moisture, so pick clothing that is breathable like cotton. Avoid any tight-fitting clothing also.
Here are two things you should be doing already, but seriously take note!
- Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is highly important for a healthy body let alone skin. We lose our moisture in our sweat, so we must refill our tanks by drinking plenty of cold fluids. Water is ideal, but you can also go for fruit juices or sports drinks with electrolytes.
- Take note of the time. Between 10am and 2pm is when the sun’s rays are the most direct, meaning the most exposure to the sun. At this time we should try to avoid going outside. If not possible, make sure you are under shade to avoid the rays.
Cold Weather
The worst time of year for many Eczema sufferers. The transition period from summer to winter is particularly difficult for many. Low humidity and cold temperatures drastically robs our skin from our moisture.
During winter, I tend to go for a thicker cream when I was younger. I still recommend this to many if you don’t have a humidifier. Humidifier adds moisture back into the air which is ideal for those who don’t have the option of using thicker lotions/ointments.
Note if you do use a humidifier, clean it regularly! Mold can be built up in the machine and can cause more potential damage to your skin and be irritating to your lungs.
Here are some other top tips for managing your Eczema in extreme cold temperatures.
- Switch to a thicker moisturizer. As mentioned before, skin is driest during winter because of the low humidity. Change your skincare routine to ensure you are getting and retaining enough moisture on your skin.
- Avoid hot showers. Although tempting in cold weather, hot showers can cause more flare ups to your skin and is more damaging. Go for lukewarm if possible.
- Check your clothing. Make sure your skin is compatible with the materials you are wearing. Wool is not a good choice, as it can irritate skin. Wet clothes can make Eczema worse, so be sure to have waterproof clothing that can protect yourself when you are outside.
We hope this article managed to help you. If you want more Eczema tips, here are 10 more!