Eczema symptoms often worsen as temperatures rise with the arrival of spring. Seasonal changes may have a huge influence on skin health, so it's critical to know what causes these flare-ups this time of year. This blog post will help you identify triggers and manage your spring eczema effectively.
Why Does My Eczema Flare Up in Spring?
Spring eczema flare-ups can be influenced by various environmental factors (Ayren Jackson-Cannady, 2023, HealthCentral). Here are the main ones:
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Environmental irritant increase: Environmental irritants: Pollen levels rise significantly during spring as trees and plants bloom, commonly triggering eczema flare-ups. Pollen can overstimulate your immune system, exacerbating eczema and skin irritation. Additionally, pollen can penetrate your skin, aggravating the itch associated with eczema. To reduce exposure, use an air purifier at home, limit time outdoors, shower and moisturize after spending time outside. Avoid wearing garments dried outdoors, as they may carry pollen.
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Heat and humidity: Eczema may be triggered by temperature swings. Excessive sweating also exacerbates eczema symptoms. To avoid eczema irritation in the spring, dress in loose-fitting cotton and layer your clothing to accommodate temperature variations. Use air conditioning with caution, since it might dry up the air and aggravate eczema. Humidifiers keep skin moisturized; however, it should be cleaned often to prevent mold growth.
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More sun exposure: Moderate sun exposure can improve mood, but too much exposure can dry your skin out and increase eczema flare-ups. To counteract the effects of prolonged exposure to the sun, steer clear of the hot afternoon hours when the sun is at its zenith. Additionally, use sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, ensure that sunscreen is safe for those with eczema and won't cause irritation. Remember to reapply your sunscreen often while swimming in the sun.
Common Eczema Symptoms
There are seven types of eczema, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the most prominent kind is atopic dermatitis (AD). Although eczema may occur anywhere on your body, some people are at a greater risk of it appearing in certain areas of the body. Eczema flare-ups will lead to dry, itchy, red, and irritated skin. The impacted areas may also thicken over time (Kolb & J. Ferrer-Bruker, 2024)
Trying to scratch the affected regions could satisfy your need for relief, but seeping, crusting, or bleeding will make the issue worse. Consequently, the infection and its symptoms may worsen.
6 Home Remedies to Prevent Spring Eczema From Flaring Up
Using home remedies can also prevent spring eczema. Here are six tips to reduce flare-ups and improve skin health.
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Avoid Environmental Triggers: Try to limit your time outside when pollen levels are high and take steps to reduce exposure to irritants such as dust and mold. Consider reducing air conditioning use, as it can dry out your skin.
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Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine: It's important to moisturize and protect your skin from the sun every day. Unscented products are best. Don’t forget to add moisturizer after a shower.
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Avoid Irritants and Allergens: Avoid strong fragrances or harsh chemicals in your skincare products, as they can trigger symptoms.
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Select Light, Natural Fabrics: Friction and sweat can exacerbate eczema. Choose breathable fabrics, such as cotton, to keep irritation away.
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Enhance Your Diet: Focus on foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid high-histamine foods that may exacerbate symptoms.
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Practice Stress Management: Try doing activities like meditation, gentle exercise, and getting good sleep to help control stress. Additionally, you can use Liverty Dynamic Drops and Active ReLeaf Spot Gel targeting internal inflammation in the nervous system to support healthier skin from within.
Trust Phoilex for Safe and Lasting Relief
Spring presents unique challenges for eczema sufferers, such as exposure to environmental irritants and temperature changes. Using effective treatments along with proactive skincare could help alleviate these issues. Explore Phoilex’s products to help ease the symptoms caused by spring eczema and support your skin health.
Most of all, don’t forget to seek advice from a medical professional to determine the most suitable solutions for your specific situation.
References:
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Ayren Jackson-Cannady. (2023, May 12). 4 ways seasonal changes affect your eczema. HealthCentral. https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/eczema/how-seasonal-changes-affect-eczema
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Freeborn, J. (2023, March 2). Eczema: Tips on how to manage atopic dermatitis in spring and summer. Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tips-for-eczema-management-in-spring-and-summer#Common-eczema-symptoms
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Kolb, L., & J. Ferrer-Bruker, S. (2024). Atopic Dermatitis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448071/
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National Eczema Association. (2013). Eczema treatment. National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2024). Atopic Dermatitis. Google.com. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis
