Central Heating... Eczema's Autumn Enemy

I find my patients often dread the autumn, as this is the time when their skin really dries out and consequently their eczema flares. “Why is this?” They say… “I am still using lots of moisturizer and my skin is literally cracking up!  After a good summer with my skin, autumn feels like my eczema is coming back with a vengeance. Is there any way to prevent this autumnal eczema onslaught, as I know this is going to happen every year?”

 

Of course, every person with eczema has individual factors which they know trigger their eczema. Sometimes, these triggers are seasonal and sometimes a person’s triggers can change. However, one of the few universal eczema triggers is heat; everyone with eczema is affected by changing temperatures. Autumn is often a bad time for people with eczema, as the central heating goes on, humidity is reduced and we are all constantly moving from cooler, outdoor conditions to warmer, indoor environments.  This leads to skin becoming much drier; and as we all know dry skin is itchy skin.

 

So, remember that as we move into autumn and the central heating goes on; keep on moisturizing, and think about using an ointment or oily cream, to stop your skin becoming drier. If you find the regular application of creams and ointments inconvenient or unpleasant you should try a medical grade garment such as DreamsSkin. DreamSkin garments improve moisture retention of the skin; help reduce skin itching and irritation, are resistance to common irritants and help maintain comfortable body temperature. Here are a few more tips to help you as we move into winter:

 

·         Prevent skin from becoming dry, by washing with soap substitutes and avoiding bathing products, such as bubble baths, which will dry the skin further.

 

·         Moisturize skin regularly all over and don’t forget the lips.

 

·         If lips become chapped lip licking worsens the situation; apply a thick layer of greasy emollient at night and use chapsticks (without colouring or perfume) in the day.

 

·         Keep heating at a constant, comfortable temperature and don’t overheat homes; keep the bedroom temperature at no more than 18^oC.

 

·         Consider using a household humidifier.

 

·         Wrap up well when outside, use hats and scarves to protect the face and wear gloves to protect the hands.

 

 

by Eczema Expert