10 Tips for Preventing or Reducing Autumn Eczema Flares

In Australia, a change in the season and cooler weather can bring a whole new set of challenges to eczema sufferers. Cold, dry weather saps skin of essential moisture and can cause serious issues for skin that is already compromised. Itching and inflammation can lead to a breakdown in our body’s main line of defence, our protective skin barrier.

These changes in temperatures affect the integrity of our skin barrier, make our skin more prone to drying out. Weed pollen is also common during the cooler season. The decaying plants and leaves disperse mould spores and other allergens into the air, which can enter a person’s nose, eyes, ears, and mouth.

Dry skin can easily become brittle, scaly, rough, or tight, which can lead to an eczema flare up. Flares cause intense itching, redness and can lead to infection when dry skin cracks open or scratching causes breaks in the skin.

Pay attention to Autumn allergens

Pollen is still in the air during the autumn months. In addition, allergens such as mould and mildew might be more prevalent, especially in damp weather. Take time to change filters on heating systems before starting them up to reduce the chance that turning on the heat will send allergens into the air in your house.

Avoid going near areas that are likely to be infested with mould; for instance places with heavy vegetation, compost heaps, cellars or piles of fallen leaves. If you must do a bit of gardening, wearing a mask will help keep the allergens at bay. Despite falling humidity, mould may still infest nooks and crannies in your home such as the kitchen, bathroom, and utility room. Regular cleaning and ventilation will help keep these areas mould-free.

Manage your indoor environment

While you don’t have control of the weather and temperatures outside, you can control the temperature in your home. Not overheating your home and drying out the air by using a humidifier can help keep reduce the chance of a flare up.

Avoid over-washing & frequently washing your hands

Your hands can become dry, chapped and cracked during the cooler weather. Limit washing your hands to when it is necessary as over-washing or scrubbing your skin can cause your skin to dry out and crack. When you do wash your hands, use soap free hand wash or moisturiser. Liberally apply moisturiser after washing your hands. If your hands do become dry, use a thick cream or ointment moisturiser before bedtime and wear cotton or bamboo gloves while you are sleeping to help seal in the moisture.

Switch to a heavier moisturiser

During the warm, humid summer months you might find that a moisturising lotion works fine but as the weather cools, it might not be enough. Switch to a thick cream or ointment moisturiser for areas that are severely dry. Liberally apply your moisturiser when your skin is damp after a shower or bath to help seal in the moisture from the water. Regular moisturising of your skin is essential to managing eczema.

Lower the temperature in your shower or bath

Limit showering/bathing to 5 to 10 minutes and use warm, not hot, water. Hot water can dry out the skin and help cause cracking. Use a soap free cleanser or hypoallergenic shower/bath oil that is less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Know your triggers

Not everyone has the same triggers for eczema. Pay attention to what in your environment might cause a flare. Some people find allergens, dry air, cold wind, scented products, dust mites or household cleaning chemicals cause their eczema to flare. By understanding your triggers, you can take steps to prevent the flare.

Wear layers

During a transition from one season to another, weather can be unpredictable or rapidly change during the day. For example, it might be cold in the morning but warm by afternoon, or it could be nice in the morning and later be windy and cold. Instead of dressing only for the morning, wear layers so you can add or take off a layer depending on the temperature throughout the day.

Use sun protection

Summer might be over but there are still dangerous UV rays that can cause a sunburn or irritate your skin. Apply suitable sunscreen every morning before leaving the house.

Drink plenty of water

As the weather cools, you might not feel thirsty but your body still needs water. Staying hydrated helps keep your skin moisturised.

Treat flare ups promptly

When you notice the first signs of an eczema flare, treat it accordingly. Use topical steroids and moisturisers to manage the itch and discomfort and continue treating it until it is completely healed. Not treating eczema can lead to broken or cracked skin, which can lead to infection.

Sometimes eczema flares up and causes intense inflammation, itching and irritation that over-the-counter products can’t remedy. It’s time to consult your dermatologist, allergy and asthma specialist or your family doctor. You may need a prescription medication to help treat and heal your eczema.

This article was obtained from the following sources:
https://www.healthcentral.com
https://www.theraplex.com
https://dermamed.com

This Information Sheet is provided as a service by the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc to give up-to-date, practical help on certain types of eczema or a particular aspect of its treatment. These Information Sheets are part of our membership package.

It is not the policy of the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc to recommend or endorse any product or treatment. It is part of the role of the Association to provide information on a wide range of products and treatments to keep those involved with eczema as fully informed as possible as to all options available. For medical advice, consult your health professional.