The change of seasons often feels like a fresh start, especially when moving from summer’s heat and humidity to the crisp, cool days of fall. But while you may enjoy the shift, your skin may not.
If you have eczema, seasonal changes can trigger flare-ups, leaving your skin dry, itchy, and uncomfortable.
At Associated Skin Care Specialists, our board-certified dermatologists understand the unique challenges of managing eczema during seasonal shifts. Here, we share our expert tips on how you can prevent eczema flare-ups this fall.
Researchers theorize that eczema occurs due to weakness in the skin’s barrier function, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to get in, making the skin more susceptible to dryness, itching, and inflammation.
While moisturizing is important all year, it’s vital in the fall because of how the cool, dry air affects skin hydration and can lead to eczema flare-ups. Choose a fragrance-free moisturizer made for sensitive skin and apply daily, especially after bathing.
Summer humidity can help keep your skin hydrated, but indoor heating and drier fall air can quickly deplete moisture levels. Running a humidifier in your living and work space helps restore moisture to the air, reducing the risk of skin dryness that can trigger eczema flare-ups.
A change in seasons means a change in wardrobe. Some fabrics, like wool and some synthetics, can irritate your sensitive skin. Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, and bamboo.
Weather is unpredictable in the fall, so dress in layers to prevent overheating and sweating, which can increase eczema symptoms.
While long, hot showers may help warm you up on chilly days, they may strip away the skin’s natural oils and worsen dryness and irritation. Keep your showers short, 5 to 10 minutes, and stick to lukewarm water.
Gently pat your skin dry after showering and immediately apply moisturizer to lock in the moisture.
With Halloween and Thanksgiving, fall is a fun season. But the added stress of the holidays can take a toll on your skin.
Incorporate exercise or meditation into your day to lower stress and make time for rest and relaxation to keep your body and mind balanced. Sleep is also important for stress management and skin health. Keep a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 7 to 9 hours a night.
Fall weather is tough on the skin, but it doesn’t have to lead to eczema flare-ups. If your symptoms seem to worsen at this time of year, our dermatologists can help. We offer personalized eczema care aimed at keeping your skin clear and you comfortable all year long.
We provide dermatology care for eczema at our offices in Blaine, Eden Prairie, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Maple Grove, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Call the office most convenient to you today to make an appointment.
