Understanding Eczema Triggers in Humid Climates

Humidity and eczema can be a tricky combination (and, conversely, so can dry heat, but that’s another subject…). If you live in a humid climate and have eczema, you’re either going to find it exacerbates symptoms or it brings some relief.

If hot humid weather leaves you desperate to scratch, then understanding the link between eczema triggers and humidity is key to your management strategy.

Managing Eczema in Summer 

As dermatologists, one of the first things we want to determine are your eczema triggers. This is done through a combination of allergy testing and your personal input. You may already know that it’s worse in the summer months, but you might not know why.

Yes, we have an arsenal of treatments to target the symptoms, such as topical creams, steroids, and immunosuppressants, but knowing your triggers is really important for optimal care.

As we’re based in the lone star state, we see a lot of climate-related triggers. Eczema flare ups in Texas tend to depend on whether your condition is worse in the dry, cooler conditions of winter or the warmer, muggier tones of summer. Climate change also means that the region now has longer, hotter, more tropical weather, making eczema management more complex for those who are triggered by humidity.

Some of the most common, humidity -elated factors for eczema flares are:

• Increased sweating.
• Pollen.
• Mold. 

Let’s look at these in isolation…

You’ll need no reminding how hot and sweaty summer can be. Not only does this moisture get trapped in your clothes, but you also sweat more in the very places where your eczema thrives: behind the knees, the armpits, and skin folds. Sweat also contains salt, which further irritates and stings, bringing the insane desire to scratch the area just to get some darn relief!

Trying to limit how much you sweat can be challenging, to say the least. But there are several steps you can take.

• Wear climate-appropriate clothing: Light, loose, natural fabrics are key. Leave the Lycra and figure-hugging fashion safely at home and embrace a more bohemian, floaty vibe. Cotton is your best friend during the hot and sticky months.
• Reduce sun exposure: While some people find UV rays help their eczema, for others it’s a trigger. If that’s you, use light clothing and a hat for protection. Sunscreen matters too. Many people find that chemical ones make their condition worse, so experiment with mineral options to see if these are less triggering.
• Be aware of air conditioning: For some, the a/c of a home or office environment will help reduce excessive sweating. But for others, it increases how dry and itchy your skin gets. If that’s you, then consider adding a humidifier to help keep air moisture at an optimal level.
• Check your swim routines: Chlorine and salt water can cause further irritation, although the coolness of the water can be soothing and helpful. Be sure to shower after swimming, be gentle with the towel, and moisturize afterward.

High humidity also increases levels of pollen, mold, dust mites, and other allergens. All of these can be a trigger and, yes, avoiding them can be difficult.

Let’s consider pollen first. Again, this is a complex subject, because high humidity can reduce the level of pollen in the air. It adds weight to the particles, forcing them downwards. But… Other weather phenomena can fracture these, causing them to break down into even smaller elements, which in turn can increase allergic reactions and eczema flare ups.

Mold and dust mites just love humidity. They thrive and multiply, which is why they can exacerbate symptoms during the summer months.

Examples of management techniques for all types of allergens include:

• Airing bedrooms in the morning, when the levels of pollen are naturally lower.
• Keep car windows closed when driving.
• Changing bed linen very regularly.
• Vacuum and clean your home thoroughly and often.
• Shower, wash your hair, and change your clothing when you get home.
• Dry clothes in the tumble dryer, rather than outside on the line where pollen can gather.
• Keep your lawn short. This helps stop the grasses from flowering and producing seeds.

The whole idea is to reduce exposure to the triggering allergens. So, knowing what yours are is vital for the best management. Yes, we know this can be difficult, which is why we recommend people keep a diary (nothing too in-depth—it can be a physical book or simply a note on your cellphone) of weather conditions, activities, clothing worn, sweat score, etc. Over time, you’ll build up a pattern that will help define your triggers, meaning you and your dermatologist create the best personalized management.

Looking for the best eczema care in Texas? Visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/services and call today to book a consultation.