Fall brings in crisp air, the changing colors of leaves, and the glorious holiday season filled with activities and overflowing schedules. For many, this is a favorite time of the year. The weather is more temperate than the heat of summer and not quite as uncomfortable as the deep freeze of winter. If you have eczema, though, the fall might a season full of flare-ups.
There are a number of common triggers that might be an issue for your skin. With the changing temperatures, there can be a decrease in humidity which can make your skin more prone to drying out. Allergies may be an issue for some people and can often set the situation for an eczema flare-up. As the temperatures drop, you're more likely to start closing windows and turning on the furnace, and the introduction of dry heat can be a major problem for your skin. All of this is surmountable if you follow some great skincare routines to beat eczema before it begins.
Tips to Combat Eczema in the Fall
If this is your first fall with eczema, you'll want to pay close attention to your skin. Many people find that certain seasons will impact their condition more than others. If fall becomes a trigger for you, knowing in advance will help you in future seasons to be proactive in treating and keeping it at bay.
Here are some great tips for your eczema skincare routine:
- Check and Clean Your Heating System. Dry heat is one of the biggest culprits for skin flare-ups. If you have forced air heat, it's important to have your furnace checked yearly and make sure the ducts are cleaned on a reasonable schedule. This helps to keep the air clean in your environment and combat allergens that might bother you during these months.
- Use a Humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture back to the air and helps your skin remain supple. It's also great to help with breathing issues, especially those caused by colds or allergies. You can add a humidifier to your bedroom and another in any room of your home where you spend a great deal of time.
- Use a Good Moisturizer or One Specifically for Eczema symptoms. It's important to moisturize often, but the type of moisturizer you use can be just as essential in keeping your skin in excellent condition. A lotion made specifically for eczema, such as Eczema Honey Original Skin Soothing Cream, offers better relief.
- Take Care of Your Hands. Your hands tend to get the brunt of the environment during months when the weather cools off. You may be more susceptible to drying and cracking, especially if you're not wearing gloves yet but the dry, cool air impacts your skin. Try using a great eczema hand cream, such as Eczema Honey Oatmeal Hand Cream. You might also want to use eczema gloves to protect your hands from allergens in the environment.
- Moisturize After Baths and Showers. This is a tip you should use year round. For those who suffer from eczema, it's important that you moisturize directly after you bathe because it locks in the moisture. You can still moisturize at night or in the morning, if that's your routine, but definitely make it part of your bathing ritual.
- Keep Water Lukewarm for Bathing. One big mistake that will make your skin more prone to longer flare-ups is using water that's too hot in the bath or shower. Many people love using steaming hot water because it's relaxing for muscles, but it's not great for your skin, especially during an eczema outbreak. Try using room temperature or lukewarm water instead.
- Skip Soap or Use Gentle Soaps. Soap can dry out your skin and many brands are made with chemicals and scents that can trigger a flare-up. In some cases, you're better off just rinsing with water and moisturizing after. If you do want to use soap, make sure it's allergen free and gentle for your skin.
- Keep a Log of Possible Triggers. Knowing your triggers is the best way to stay ahead of your flare-ups. The thing is that your skin changes over time, so you may have new triggers pop up without warning. You also may become less sensitive to old triggers. Keeping a log of when you have a flare-up will help you determine the cause. It's also important to pay attention to changes in your environment or eating habits during this time.
- Try to Eliminate Stress. Stress is a major trigger for many people. It can make you more prone to illness and skin flare-ups. Unfortunately, fall is full of events that can cause people stress. This might include kids going back to school, increased responsibilities surrounding the holidays, and there are a ton of social obligations during this time that can be stressful. It's important to find ways to combat these issues and keep stress at bay. Some ideas might include meditation, prayer, yoga, and other activities that help you center yourself.
- Wear Comfortable, Gentle Fabrics. Rough fabrics can irritate skin and some types of clothing are more likely to encourage a flareup. Choose clothes that are gentle to wear, or clothing specially made for those with eczema. You should also layer clothing to make sure that you aren't overheated or too cold for the environment. The fall is notorious for major temperature shifts during a short span of time. You might leave the house on a chilly morning to find the temperature jumped up by 20 degrees when you leave your office for lunch. Keep a sweater in your car or office and layer up so that you can remove clothing to accommodate for the temperatures when possible.
Fall can be a wonderful season for many activities. You might like to celebrate fall fests, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. It's a great time with a flutter of back to school activities and excitement over coming holidays. But it can also hold a few triggers for those who have eczema. The best way to enjoy the season without compromising your skin is to prepare for flare-ups in advance. By changing your skincare routine for the season and taking extra care to stave off things that will irritate your skin, you're less likely to see major eczema outbreaks and you'll be able to treat them in less time when they occur.
