Tips For Managing Eczema This Summer

Eczema is a huge problem for many people in the UK and managing it throughout the year can be difficult.

However, in summer, flare-ups can get worse due to more sweating from the heat, outdoor allergens, and increased sunlight exposure. This can cause the skin to become more irritated or bring out rashes that can get extremely itchy. 

Roughly one in five children and one in ten adults suffer from eczema in the UK, which shows just how prevalent this condition can be.

If you’re a long-term sufferer who knows just how bad it can get in the hotter months of the year, then we’ve got some tips for how you can manage it better during summer. 

The following remedies may be able to make your life that little bit easier and allow you to enjoy the hot weather without constantly worrying about your eczema getting out of hand. Read on to learn more about our top tips for managing eczema this summer. 

What is eczema and what causes it?

Before diving into the tips, we thought we’d highlight what eczema is and the causes of it.

You may not realise that you have it and so, could’ve been suffering in silence with it for years! Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that leads to rashes, blisters, itchiness, and sometimes skin infections. 

Some of the common causes of eczema include overactive immune systems – which causes dry and itchy skin, allergens, and your genetic makeup.

With so many causes, it comes as no surprise that it’s such a common condition in the UK and around the world.

Tips to manage Eczema flare-ups in Summer

So, if you’re suffering from a flare-up or want to prevent them from happening, especially in summer or on holiday, then trying any of the following methods may be able to help:

• Wear loose clothing made from light materials – this should help to regulate your body temperature.
• Rinse off the chlorine water after you leave a swimming pool – chlorine can cause severe itchiness or rashes to form, so should be removed immediately.
• Apply suncream regularly – sunburn causes skin inflammation which leads to an eczema flare-up so should be avoided
• Apply moisturiser – keeping the skin cool and hydrated can help to reduce the symptoms. If this doesn’t help, then please seek professional help and speak to a pharmacist. 
• Change out of wet clothes – the trapped moisture can cause friction, which may lead to skin irritation

Managing Eczema Daily

It’s important to manage your eczema daily throughout the year too, here’s some advice on how to do this.

• Help relieve the itching: using an anti-itch cream before moisturising can help to temporarily reduce itching. Taking antihistamines will also help to relieve itching. 
• As hard as it is, don’t scratch eczema, deep itching can cause the skin to bleed which increases the risk of the skin becoming infected and can actually cause more eczema to occur. Try pressing on or patting the skin instead. If you can’t help but scratch the itch, cover the affected skin in light clothing and keep your fingernails clean and short.
• Take a daily bath or shower using warm, not hot water. Avoid using harsh soaps made with fragrances, dyes or alcohols as these can irritate the skin further. 
• Treat stress and anxiety as excess stress can worsen atopic eczema.

Eczema is an issue that can cause plenty of issues during summer, so should the pain or itchiness get dramatically worse, then see your local GP who may be able to offer extra help or refer you to a dermatologist.