Here's How to Cope with Eczema this Spring

Hay fever isn't the only thing making a comeback this year

After battling the final stretches of winter, a lot of us are already expecting to bask under sunnier days with the onset of spring. But people with eczema may face the new season with dread. 

According to an article, those with eczema deal with flare-ups due to the rise in temperature and the added seasonal pollen in the air. Aside from the cold, heat also plays havoc with eczema.

During spring, people with eczema tend to sweat more as temperatures become warmer. Seasonal pollens in the air, which are usually released from grasses and flowers, can also trigger eczema flare-ups and hay fever. 

This skin condition, which affects around 30 million adult Americans, usually occurs as itchy, red, and inflamed skin rashes on random parts of the body, such as elbows, knees, hands, eyelids, and face. 

While many people are excited to welcome the warming temperatures and the "feel-good" vibe that springtime brings, you may need to be prepared for the itchiness and rashes that this seasonal change may bring especially if you have eczema.

To welcome the new season without allergic reactions, here are some tips for preventing and managing eczema flare-ups in spring.

1. AVOID THE TRIGGERS 

Keeping allergen levels low every season is always one of the best things to do especially if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition.

While it's difficult to avoid allergic triggers outside, start the prevention plan indoors. Deep clean your home to remove potential allergens. Stay away from several allergic triggers like pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and other skin products with harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. 

2. APPLY A MOISTURIZER 

When it's hot, it's important to lock in moisture to your skin. 

According to Eczema.Org, people with eczema should always apply a moisturizer within three minutes after taking a lukewarm bath. They should also moisturize again after doing activities that raise a sweat. 

"When you have been out and about in the environment, particularly parks and gardens, have a quick rinse off back at home and reapply your moisturizer," it said in an article. 

When you feel the itch, don’t panic. Always look for moisturizers with hydrocortisone or hydrocortisone acetate, which activates natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

3. USE SUNSCREENS 

The National Eczema Association also recommends the use of mineral-based sunscreens to combat eczema flare-ups when going out this spring. They urge people with skin conditions to keep in mind the following tips:

• Apply sunscreen to all uncovered skin like lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet
• Apply 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
• If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head
• Reapply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming.
• Never apply sunscreen to damaged or broken skin.

If you’re planning to go outside, utilize sunscreen for sensitive skin with at least 30+ SPF to protect your skin from exposure to the sun. Just check the label for any ingredients your skin may be sensitive to. 

4. WEAR 100% COTTON CLOTHING 

Always dress in loose layers to reduce the heat, moisture, and friction in your skin. More importantly, avoid wearing clothes made from wool, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics for they may irritate your skin and trigger flare-ups. 

Our GOTS-certified, 100% chemical-free organic cotton collections, ranging from bottoms and tops to accessories and masks, are the perfect fabric for people with eczema. They're undeniably soft, unbeatably hypoallergenic, and entirely free from allergens, latex, spandex, and other harsh chemicals.

Don't wear several layers of clothes as too much heat can trigger your eczema. 

5. TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Although these tips usually apply to most cases, your skin may still react differently. When your treatment plan does not work anymore and the flare-ups worsen after minimizing your exposure to your triggers, immediately book a telemedicine appointment with your dermatologist. 

We advise you to seek a health professional if anything changes or your symptoms become difficult to manage.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.