If you’ve noticed that your eczema tends to worsen when the weather changes, you’re not alone. Many people with eczema experience flare-ups that seem to appear unexpectedly during certain seasons. While eczema is a chronic skin condition influenced by various factors, weather changes often play a significant role in how your skin behaves.
From the dry chill of winter to the humid heat of summer, each season brings unique challenges that can irritate sensitive skin. In this blog, we’ll explore how different weather conditions trigger eczema flare-ups, why they happen, and what you can do to prevent and manage them effectively.
Understanding Eczema and Its Triggers
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by redness, itching, and dryness. It’s caused by a combination of factors — genetics, immune system responses, and environmental triggers.
Some of the most common eczema causes include:
- A weakened skin barrier that loses moisture easily.
- Exposure to irritants such as soaps, detergents, or fragrances.
- Allergens include dust, pollen, and pet dander.
- Weather and temperature fluctuations affect the skin’s moisture balance.
Understanding these triggers helps you prepare for seasonal changes and manage flare-ups before they worsen.
How Seasonal Changes Affect Eczema
The skin reacts differently to each season. Knowing what happens to your skin throughout the year can help you adjust your skincare routine and prevent eczema from flaring up.
Winter Flare-Ups: Cold, Dry Air and Indoor Heating
Winter is the most challenging season for people with eczema. The cold, dry air outside and low humidity levels indoors can strip your skin of its natural moisture. When your skin barrier becomes dry and cracked, irritants can easily enter, leading to inflammation and itching.
Additionally, indoor heating systems can make the air even drier, worsening the condition. Common symptoms during winter include tight, flaky skin, cracking around joints, and itching that worsens at night.
Winter Care Tips:
- Use thick, fragrance-free moisturisers twice daily.
- Install a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air.
- Avoid taking long, hot showers, as they can dehydrate the skin.
Summer Flare-Ups: Sweat, Heat, and Sun Exposure
While winter dries your skin, summer brings its own set of eczema triggers. Excessive sweating can irritate sensitive skin and trap bacteria, leading to itching and rashes. The combination of heat, friction, and humidity can also cause inflammation in skin folds, such as those found on the elbows and behind the knees.
Sun exposure may benefit mild eczema by reducing inflammation; however, excessive exposure can cause sunburn or dryness, potentially worsening flare-ups. Chlorine in pools and salt in seawater can also strip the skin of its natural oils.
Summer Care Tips:
- Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing.
- Rinse off after sweating or swimming.
- Use light, non-greasy moisturisers and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Monsoon and Humid Weather: Fungal and Bacterial Growth
High humidity levels during the monsoon season can lead to excessive sweating and moisture buildup on the skin. This creates a perfect environment for fungal and bacterial infections, which can worsen eczema symptoms.
People often notice eczema patches becoming oozy or inflamed during humid weather due to trapped moisture and friction.
Monsoon Care Tips:
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
- Change damp clothes immediately after getting wet.
- Use mild antifungal body washes if prone to infections.
Spring and Autumn: Allergens and Environmental Shifts
In spring, pollen, dust, and other allergens increase in the air, which can trigger eczema through allergic reactions. Meanwhile, autumn brings cooler air and lower humidity, often causing dryness similar to winter.
Tips for Transition Seasons:
- Keep windows closed on high-pollen days.
- Clean bedding and air filters regularly.
- Switch your moisturiser to suit changing humidity levels.
Why Does Weather Trigger Eczema Flare-Ups?
Your skin acts as a barrier, protecting you from external irritants. However, when weather conditions change, whether too hot, too cold, or too humid, this barrier becomes weakened.
- Dry, cold air removes moisture from your skin, causing it to crack.
- Sweating and heat irritate already inflamed skin and promote bacterial growth.
- Allergens in the air can trigger immune responses, resulting in redness and itching.
In short, eczema flares up when your skin barrier becomes compromised, allowing irritants and allergens to penetrate more easily.
Practical Tips to Prevent and Manage Seasonal Eczema
- Moisturise Regularly
- Keep your skin hydrated using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturisers. Apply immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
- Adjust Your Skincare Routine with the Season
- In winter, use thicker ointments or creams. In summer, opt for lighter lotions or gels that don’t clog pores.
- Maintain a Healthy Indoor Environment
- Use a humidifier in dry weather and ensure good ventilation in humid conditions to prevent mould and bacteria.
- Manage Sweat and Heat
- Stay cool by avoiding tight clothing and changing sweaty clothes quickly. Cold compresses can help soothe itching after outdoor activities.
- Watch Your Diet
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- Certain foods can trigger inflammation or eczema flare-ups. Common foods to avoid with eczema include:
- Dairy products
- Nuts and eggs
- Soy and gluten
- Processed and sugary foods
Instead, include omega-3-rich foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts to strengthen the skin barrier.
Eczema Treatment Options
When prevention isn’t enough, treatment can help reduce flare-ups and restore comfort.
Topical Treatments
- Corticosteroid creams for inflammation and itching.
- Calcineurin inhibitors for sensitive areas like the face.
- Barrier repair creams to strengthen the skin’s natural defence.
Medications
- Oral antihistamines for itch relief, antibiotics for infections, or immunosuppressants for severe eczema cases.
Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
- Controlled UV light exposure can help reduce inflammation when other treatments are ineffective.
Home Remedies
- Oatmeal baths, aloe vera, and cold compresses can help naturally calm inflamed skin. (Always consult a dermatologist before starting any new treatment.)
Lifestyle Adjustments to Reduce Flare-Ups
- Get enough sleep: Lack of rest can increase inflammation.
- Manage stress: Stress hormones are known to be triggers for eczema. Try yoga or meditation.
- Wear soft fabrics: Stick to cotton; avoid wool or synthetics.
- Exercise carefully: Stay cool and rinse off sweat soon after physical activity.
When to See a Dermatologist
See a dermatologist if:
- Flare-ups are persistent despite home care.
- The skin shows signs of infection, like oozing or crusting.
- The itching affects your sleep or quality of life.
Professional guidance can help identify your personal eczema triggers and create a personalised plan that meets your skin’s specific needs. If you’re noticing changes in your symptoms and wondering whether your eczema is actually healing, you can read our detailed post, How Do I Know If My Eczema Is Healing?
In Conclusion
Eczema may not be curable, but it’s highly manageable with the proper care. Understanding how seasonal changes affect your skin is the first step toward reducing flare-ups and maintaining comfort throughout the year. By following a consistent skincare routine, maintaining good hygiene, and making minor lifestyle adjustments, you can achieve healthier skin, regardless of the weather.
Is Your Eczema Getting Worse with the Changing Seasons?
Don’t let flare-ups disrupt your comfort. For expert guidance and personalised eczema care, consult Dr Sneha Sood at Sood Aesthetics. She can help you identify your eczema triggers, recommend tailored treatments, and guide you toward long-term relief. Book your consultation today for calmer, healthier skin.
FAQs
Why does my eczema get worse during certain seasons?
Weather changes can affect skin moisture levels and increase exposure to allergens, both of which can trigger eczema flare-ups. For example, cold winter air dries out the skin barrier, while spring increases exposure to airborne pollen.
What foods should I avoid if I have eczema?
Common triggers include dairy, nuts, eggs, soy, and processed foods. It's recommended to try an elimination diet to systematically identify the specific foods that affect your skin, as triggers vary widely among individuals.
Can sunlight help or worsen eczema?
Moderate sunlight exposure can sometimes help reduce inflammation in mild eczema, but excessive exposure or sunburn may dry out and irritate the skin, potentially worsening flare-ups. Always use a gentle, broad-spectrum sunscreen.
How can I tell if allergies cause my eczema?
If your eczema consistently flares up after contact with common irritants or allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or specific foods, allergies might be the cause. A dermatologist or allergist can confirm this through professional testing (like patch tests or blood work).
Is eczema curable?
Eczema cannot be permanently cured, but it is highly manageable. With the right treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and consistent skincare habits, it can be controlled effectively to prevent frequent and severe flare-ups.
