Why your eczema is worse in the summer
Summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a time when eczema tends to flare up. For some people they may find that their eczema flares up during the summer months when they are more active outdoors. Here are some common reasons why:
Sweat
The increase in heat, and humidity, inevitably leads to more sweat. More sweat leads to aggravation that irritates the chapped, broken skin of eczema sufferers. Why is sweat so irritating? Sweat is made up of many types of salts. Sweat also contains nickel, iron, copper, lead, zinc and chloride. According to the National Eczema Association, a build up of these factors leads to an increase of irritation – making sweat the number one enemy of eczema this summer. The sweat inevitably leads to the worst outcome – a rash.
The Pool
There’s nothing like a refreshing swim on a hot day, but for people with eczema, the pool can be a source of irritation. Chlorine is often used to disinfect pool water, and while it’s effective at killing bacteria, it can also irritate skin. If you have eczema, be sure to take steps to protect your skin when swimming by applying a thick layer of moisturizer, like Ziziphus Concentrated Cream, before swimming and reapply often while you’re in the pool. Rinse off thoroughly after swimming to remove any chlorine or other chemicals from your skin.
Your Cleanser
The Cleansing Conundrum – a term we use at Ziziphus Skin to describe the dilemma those with sensitive skin face when using a cleanser. Cleansing, especially in the summer, is a must to protect yourself from dirt, oil, and sweat. But most cleansers have the undesirable effect of stripping the skin to the point of causing more trouble to already vulnerable skin – trouble in the form of irritation, redness, dryness, tightness, and itchiness. Check out our new cleanser, Vegan Solid Face & Body Wash, formulated to fix this conundrum.
Your clothing
Did you know that your clothing can cause skin irritation? In fact, clothing that is not breathable can lead to eczema and skin rashes. This is especially a problem in the summertime when it’s hot and humid outside. Wearing clothes that allow your skin to breathe will help keep you cool and comfortable. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton or linen allow sweat and heat to escape, keeping you cooler and more comfortable.