10 Tips for Preventing or Reducing Autumn Eczema Flares
Some people find their symptoms exacerbated by temperature changes, and get flare-ups during the transitional seasons (spring and autumn).
If you are one of the unlucky New Zealanders who suffer from eczema, as the summer fades and cool weather sets in, you often see an increase in symptoms which can bring a whole new set of challenges. Cold, drier weather saps skin of essential moisture and can cause serious issues for skin that is already compromised. Itching and inflammation can lead to a breakdown in our body’s main line of defence, our protective skin barrier. Flares cause intense itching, redness and can lead to infection when dry skin cracks open or scratching causes breaks in the skin.
Following are some tips to help protect your skin this Autumn, so you stay comfortable and itch free:
Manage your indoor environment
While you don’t have control of the weather and temperatures outside, you can control the temperature in your home. Not overheating your home and drying out the air by using a humidifier or placing some bowls of water around the house can help keep reduce the chance of a flare up.
Avoid over-washing & frequently washing your hands
Your hands can become dry, chapped and cracked during the cooler weather. Limit washing your hands to when it is necessary as over-washing or scrubbing your skin can cause your skin to dry out and crack. When you do wash your hands, use soap free hand wash or moisturiser lotion. Liberally apply moisturiser after washing your hands. If your hands do become dry, use a thick cream or ointment moisturiser before bedtime and wear cotton or bamboo gloves while you are sleeping to help seal in the moisture and repair skin.
Switch to a heavier moisturiser
During the warm, humid summer months you might find that a moisturising lotion works fine but as the weather cools, it might not be enough. Switch to a thick cream or ointment moisturiser for areas that are severely dry. Liberally apply your moisturiser when your skin is damp after a shower or bath to help seal in the moisture from the water. Ask your Pharmacist for samples of your favourite products so you can always carry moisturiser with you. Regular moisturising of your skin is essential to managing eczema.
Lower the temperature in your shower or bath
Limit showering/bathing to 5 to 10 minutes and use warm, not hot, water. Hot water can dry out the skin and help cause cracking. Use a soap free cleanser or hypoallergenic shower/bath oil that is less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Avoid scrubbing and pat the skin dry not rub.
Know your triggers
Not everyone has the same triggers for eczema. Pay attention to what in your environment might cause a flare. Some people find allergens, dry air, cold wind, scented products, dust mites or household cleaning chemicals cause their eczema to flare. By understanding your triggers, you can take steps to prevent the flare.
Wear layers
During a transition from one season to another, weather can be unpredictable or rapidly change during the day. For example, it might be cold in the morning but warm by afternoon, or it could be nice in the morning and later be windy and cold. Instead of dressing only for the morning, wear layers so you can add or take off a layer depending on the temperature throughout the day.
Use sun protection
Summer might be over but there are still dangerous UV rays that can cause a sunburn or irritate your skin. Apply suitable sunscreen every morning before leaving the house.
Pay attention to Autumn allergens
Pollen is still in the air during the autumn months. In addition, allergens such as mould and mildew might be more prevalent, especially in damp weather. Take time to change filters on heating systems before starting them up to reduce the chance that turning on the heat will send allergens into the air in your house.
Drink plenty of water
As the weather cools, you might not feel thirsty but your body still needs water. Staying hydrated helps keep your skin moisturised.
Treat flare ups promptly
Sometimes eczema flares up and causes intense inflammation, itching and irritation that over-the-counter products can’t remedy. It’s always advisable to see a health professional if anything changes, or your symptoms are proving hard to manage on your own. You may need a prescription medication to help treat and heal your eczema or to update the one you use regularly.
When you notice the first signs of an eczema flare, treat it accordingly. Use topical steroids and moisturisers to manage the itch and discomfort and continue treating it until it is completely healed. Not treating eczema can lead to broken or cracked skin, which can lead to infection.
This article was obtained from the following sources:
https://www.healthcentral.com
https://www.theraplex.com
https://patient.info/news-and-features
This Information Sheet is provided as a service by the Eczema Association of New Zealand 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 New Zealand 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.