5 Tips for Managing Eczema This Autumn
The weather is cooling down. The cozy sweaters are coming out. Your eczema? Well, that might be making a comeback, too. Autumn has been dubbed “eczema season,” so it’s no coincidence that Eczema Awareness Month happens every October. Many people with eczema-prone skin report flare-ups during these cool weather months.
Is Eczema Seasonal?
Eczema flare-ups can occur any time of the year, and any type of temperature or weather change can trigger eczema. Autumn creates the perfect storm for eczema flare-ups, though. With cold air outside and dry heat from running the heater indoors, the skin can become extra dry and cracked. Dramatic changes between warm and cold days back-to-back and wind add to skin troubles.
How to Enjoy the Autumn Without the Flare-Ups
Having eczema doesn’t need to mean missing out on fun autumn activities. To help manage seasonal flares, follow these tips for eczema:
1. Use a Humidifier Indoors
In the warmer months, humidity and eczema aren’t a great pair. But as the weather cools, your skin needs more moisture—and that’s where a humidifier can help. Turning on the heat in your home creates dry air. By using a humidifier, you can add moisture back into the air and help your skin retain its much-needed water content. When using a humidifier, clean it regularly and use distilled water to fill it. Filling the air with allergens or mold spores could do more harm than good, especially because people with eczema are prone to allergies.
2. Avoid Overdressing and Itchy Fabrics
The temperatures outside can fluctuate a lot this time of year. In the morning, you may need a chunky sweater and a jacket — but by mid-afternoon, you could be sweating! Overdressing and heating up in your clothing can cause sweat that triggers eczema. Avoid increasing your body temperature by wearing breathable clothes and opt for layers so you can take them off if needed.
Choosing sweaters made of itchy fabrics can also trigger eczema. Choose loose-fitting clothes made from soft fibers that don't irritate your skin.
3. Skip Hot Showers
Jumping in a steamy shower after a day out in the cold sounds refreshing. But taking long, hot showers raises your body temperature, dries out your skin, and contributes to itch. So instead of a steaming hot bath or shower, choose a brief, lukewarm shower.
To make your shower even more skin-friendly, steer clear of products containing harsh chemical fragrances. Instead, choose a fragrance-free body wash and cleanser.
4. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Moisturizing helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, which is critical to keeping eczema under control. Applying your lotion immediately after bathing or a shower is most effective, because it helps to lock water into the skin. However, depending on how dry your skin is, you may want to apply lotion in the morning and night and throughout the day.
When choosing a moisturizer, look for minimal formulations and ensure your moisturizer is fragrance free. Products with fragrances can contribute to eczema flare-ups, which makes moisturizing counterproductive.
5. Minimize Stress
While autumn can be a time of slowing down and reflecting on the year, it can also be filled with the stress of holiday prep. Because researchers have found a link between stress and eczema flares, minimizing stress may help improve your eczema symptoms. Meditation in particular has been found to be a helpful tool to reduce itching. However you relieve stress — whether by getting outside, going to therapy, or spending time with loved ones — do more of that this time of year.
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Overcoming Seasonal Eczema Flare-Ups
Cooler weather doesn’t have to equal itchy, uncomfortable skin. Cold weather months are more challenging for eczema-prone skin, but by wearing layers, avoiding scratchy and synthetic fabrics, running a humidifier indoors, reducing stress, and moisturizing, you can enjoy happier, healthier skin no matter the weather outside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eczema in the Autumn
Why does my eczema get worse in the autumn?
Changes in temperature and humidity can make eczema-prone skin feel drier and more uncomfortable. Cooler outdoor air, indoor heating, wind, and frequent shifts between warm and cold environments can all contribute to dryness and irritation.
Can cold weather trigger eczema?
Cold weather can contribute to eczema symptoms, particularly when it is accompanied by low humidity. Dry air can make it harder for the skin to retain moisture, which is why moisturizing and supporting the skin barrier are especially important during colder months.
What should I wear if I have eczema in the autumn?
Choose soft, breathable fabrics and dress in layers that you can easily remove as temperatures change. Avoid rough or itchy materials directly against eczema-prone skin, and try not to overdress, since getting too warm and sweaty can aggravate symptoms.
How often should I moisturize eczema-prone skin in the autumn?
Moisturizing immediately after bathing can help lock moisture into the skin. Depending on how dry your skin feels, you may also want to moisturize in the morning, at night, and as needed throughout the day.
Is a humidifier good for eczema?
A humidifier can help add moisture to dry indoor air, which may be helpful for eczema-prone skin during the colder months. Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly and follow the manufacturer's instructions to help prevent mold and allergen buildup.
