Top Tips to Manage Seasonal Eczema

If your eczema flares come and go with the seasons, you’re not alone. For some people, cold weather causes an uptick in symptoms, while for others, warmer weather is the culprit—everyone’s skin is different. 

Winter and summer are the most common seasonal triggers, but whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, there are proven at-home and clinical strategies you can use to find relief. 

With the help of our dermatologists at Zest—a specialized virtual clinic offering next day appointments and 24/7 messaging support—we’re here to bring you expert-approved tips for managing seasonal eczema. 

What causes seasonal eczema?

Rachel Day, MD, Lead Dermatologist at Zest, says there are a variety of factors in each season that can pose a challenge for eczema. The drop in humidity characteristic of winter and fall saps your skin of moisture and leaves it dry, and dry skin leaves your skin vulnerable. 

You might also be more likely to take long, hot showers in the winter, which can damage the skin barrier—the outer layer of skin meant to protect your skin from irritating substances, infectious organisms, and other aggravators of inflammation.

In the summer, some people are triggered by increased sunlight exposure (while for some, sunlight exposure actually improves their symptoms). Others are irritated by sweat, brought on by higher temperatures and humidity. 

As sweat evaporates from your skin, it leaves behind a salty residue, drying out and irritating your skin. Dr. Day says she often sees patients who are triggered by water exposure. “If you’re in and out of the pool or at the beach frequently, that wet-dry cycle can wear down the skin barrier.” 

Temperature and moisture aren’t the only factors that can bring a bout of seasonal eczema. Some people are triggered by outdoor allergens like pollen, mold, or ragweed, which tend to pick up in the summer, fall, and spring. 

While eczema isn’t the same as an allergic reaction, researchers have found a link between eczema and allergies. If you think allergies are at play for you, try incorporating an over-the-counter antihistamine into your care routine, such as Allegra, Zyrtec, or Benadryl. 

Top tips to manage seasonal eczema

As frustrating and uncomfortable as seasonal eczema can be, the good news is: there are things you can do in every season to find relief, paying close attention to what you put on your skin and how you interact with the outdoors. 

Across the board, make sure to stay moisturized, keep stress in check, and consult with a board-certified dermatologist for personalized support.

Managing cold-weather eczema

There are several ways you can manage your cold-weather eczema, such as: 

1. Moisturizing. Cold weather and high winds dry out your skin, so you’ll want to focus on staying moisturized. It’s best to choose something fragrance-free and apply it at least twice a day. For the winter, Dr. Day suggests going for cream or ointment versus lotion or gel, as they’re thicker and do a better job of locking in moisture.
2. Keeping showers short and not too hot. Long, hot showers can dry your skin out, so keep your showers short, turn down the temperature, and moisturize as soon as you get out.
3. Using a humidifier. A humidifier is an inexpensive device you plug into the wall that adds more water—AKA moisture—to your environment and can help soothe dry skin. Dr. Day recommends putting it in your bedroom, since you spend 6-9 hours there each night.
4. Covering up exposed skin. When you go outside, make sure to cover up as much skin as you can. Wear gloves, a hat, and if you're prone to flare-ups on your face, tuck your face into a soft-fabric scarf. However, make sure you don’t layer up so much that you become sweaty, since that can be a trigger, too.
5. Watching what clothes and fabrics you wear. You might be more tempted to wear heavy fabrics like wool or fleece in the winter, but make sure to avoid anything that causes you to itch or sweat. You should still choose clothing that feels breathable and comfortable.
6. Considering phototherapy. Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, exposes your skin to UVB light that mimics the sun. Note that this is different from a tanning bed, which contains UVA light and increases your risk of skin cancer. If you’re someone whose symptoms actually improve in the summer as you spend more time outside, phototherapy might be right for you.

Managing warm-weather eczema

When managing warm-weather eczema, you should consider: 

1. Choosing the right sunscreen. Dr. Day recommends using mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Whereas chemical sunscreens get absorbed into the skin and can cause irritation, mineral sunscreens stay on the surface and reflect the sun’s harmful rays.
2. Protecting your skin from sun exposure. Even though sun exposure is beneficial for some, it’s detrimental for others. It can be especially irritating if you get a sunburn and your skin barrier is further damaged. Make time for the shade and keep (mineral) sunscreen nearby.
3. Staying cool and avoiding sweating. To avoid a sweat-induced eczema flare-up, keep yourself cool. Exercise indoors, go for low-sweat exercises, and stay in the shade when you can. 
4. Wearing breathable clothing. In the summer, you should prioritize loose-fitting clothing that keeps your skin cool. Go for light fabrics like cotton or linen.
5. Rinsing off after swimming. If you’re jumping in any pools, lakes, or the ocean, rinse off after to get any potential irritants, like chlorine or saltwater, off your skin.

Is something other than the season triggering my eczema?

It can be a challenge to nail down what exactly is causing an eczema flare-up when you’re around so many potential triggers each day. The winter and summer, in particular, may bring a variety of triggering factors in addition to temperature and humidity. 

For example, wintertime comes with the holiday season, and for many people, that means more stress, higher alcohol consumption, and a deviation from their typical diet. 

Summertime can bring family vacations, barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor gatherings. Just like the holiday season, these types of social events may bring changes to your eating and drinking patterns. 

Plus, if you have outdoor allergies, you might be triggered by the extra time outdoors. 

Lifestyle tips for managing seasonal eczema

It’s important to consider lifestyle changes that can help to manage seasonal eczema: 

1. Keep stress in check. This might sound easier said than done, but with proven stress management strategies, like deep breathing, mindfulness, exercise, and reducing screen time, you can notice a big difference in your stress level—and your skin.
2. Eat a balanced diet. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, but getting enough nutrients is vital to anyone’s overall health, and that includes skin health.
3. Reduce alcohol consumption. While research on the link between alcohol and eczema, specifically, is limited, there is research to support alcohol consumption leading to skin inflammation in general. Many eczema patients report that they notice a difference in their skin when they cut back on alcohol.
4. Exercise. Exercise isn’t just good for your physical body, it’s good for your mind, too. No matter how you choose to move your body, whether it’s a walk in your neighborhood or a run on the treadmill, it’s a tried-and-true method for managing stress. Just make sure to stick to a low-intensity workout, like yoga or swimming, if sweating is a trigger for your eczema. 
5. Seek support. Getting support from loved ones or others with eczema can help you feel less alone and process your feelings. 
6. Stay hydrated. Dr. Day says that drinking water won’t directly translate into moisturized skin, but it’s still generally beneficial to your overall health to stay hydrated.

Will seasonal eczema go away?

While eczema is a chronic condition that doesn’t have a cure, you might not always be triggered by the same factors. 

And if you do continue to be triggered seasonally, you’ll likely be able to find better strategies to combat flare-ups—like the ones listed here. 

For help managing seasonal eczema and your unique symptoms, reach out to a board-certified dermatologist.

At Zest, we offer next-day appointments and 24/7 messaging, so you never have to go through a flare-up alone. 

Ready for eczema relief and personalized care? Reach out now.