Summer Skin: 10 Tips to Beat Eczema in the Warm Weather

If you suffer from eczema, you know that the cold, winter months can wreak havoc on your skin. Summer looms large with the promise of a better atmosphere to promote healing and fewer irritating flare-ups.

While some people with eczema will have a more difficult time during the colder months, that's not true for everyone. Some people experience more irritation during quick changes in weather. Others will have some difficulty with environmental issues and allergy related eczema in the summer.

Eczema is a year round condition. When you do have flare-ups during the warmer months, the combination of heat and skin irritation can make the situation even more painful than normal. Besides the physical discomfort, eczema in the summer can also make you feel especially self-conscious. Keeping cool often means wearing clothing that shows more of your skin. If you have regular flare-ups, you may be embarrassed or uncomfortable wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts.

While it's important to know how to treat eczema year round, the following tips will help you keep your flare-ups at bay during the warmer weather.

10 Tips to Beat Eczema in the Summer

1. Go Swimming in a Pool. It's a myth that people with eczema can't enjoy swimming. Just understand that the effect of water can vary from person-to-person and it's important to pay attention to your skin before and after. Swimming is excellent exercise and it's great for cooling off when it's hot outside. Another benefit to spending time in a swimming pool is that the chlorinated water often helps to clear up eczema flare-ups. You should rinse off after being in chlorine water but the dip can actually help irritation heal faster.
2. Go Swimming in the Ocean. Like swimming in a pool, salt water also aids in healing. If you're near an ocean, the sea air is good for more than just the spirit. You should rinse off after swimming in the ocean, as well. 
3. Pay Attention to Your Triggers. There are a number of triggers that might be more prevalent for you in the summer. This might include foods that are high in sugar, stress, and allergies. While you can't always do much to limit your exposure to environmental triggers, there may be ways to lessen the impact by catching flare-ups early.
4. Use Cooling Rounds. Cooling Rounds offer an excellent way to spot treat your eczema on the go. In the warmer months, you might be running around, participating in activities, taking kids to sporting events, or spending time traveling. All of those things should be enjoyed. Cooling rounds are specially packaged to take on the go with you. This way, you can easily treat flare-ups with no muss or fuss wherever you are, instead of waiting until you're at home. 
5. Wear Soft, Breathable Clothing. Soft, breathable clothes are a must for everyone in the summer. There are items specially made for eczema sufferers which can be a great choice in the summer months. Shirts, sleep clothes, and even bedding can irritate skin further. Choose fabrics that are eczema friendly and allow your skin to breathe and heal.
6. Moisturize After Bathing or Swimming. Moisturizing is even more important during the summer months with so much activity that can damage skin. Make sure to rinse off after swimming and moisturize using an eczema friendly cream. You should also moisturize after any shower or bath to lock in the moisture.
7. Relax and De-Stress. Stress is a very common trigger for eczema. In the summer months, there are a lot of great activities which means that you might get burnt out between work and trying to fit in social plans. It's important to take time for yourself, whether that means reading a book, laying by the pool, or simply unplugging your phone and laying in bed.
8. Increase Your Water Intake. Between warmer weather and increased activity, you'll need to increase the amount of water you drink in order to stay hydrated. Don't wait until you get thirst. Make sure you start the day with water and it's a good idea to keep water with you at all times. Dehydration can lead to increased flare-ups, so this easy step can have a big impact.
9. Stay Away from Alcohol and Sugars. Summer time usually means a lot of weddings, parties, and social events where they're serving alcohol. While it's fine to drink in moderation and eat some sweets, alcohol and sugar both increase dehydration. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you hydrate well throughout the day when you're going to be consuming more sugar or alcohol than normal. Adding a bit more skin care to your routine on those days can also be helpful.
10. Keep Dry. With all the swimming and sweating, keeping dry can be an issue. Getting wet in the summer is a given. But getting sweaty and sticky can also irritate your skin if you're not careful. Make sure you towel off when you're sweating a lot and pay attention to creases, like your elbows and knees, where sweat can accumulate.

The sun didn't make the top ten list, but we'd be remiss to leave it out. UV rays do help heal eczema and other skin irritations. In fact, may physicians will prescribe sun bathing and even the use of sun lamps for patients with psoriasis and eczema. You should always use sunscreen while you're outdoors, but making sure you get some time in the sun each day will help keep your flare-ups away.

Summer is a great time to enjoy family and do things outdoors. If you pay attention to your skin care routine, it can also be a season where fewer flare-ups irritate you.