Will eczema break out in spring? Pollen and rainy season may worsen the condition! Experts warn: 6 things that hurt your skin the most
Is eczema prone to outbreaks when the seasons change? Atopic dermatitis patients should beware of the “allergy trilogy”
The change of seasons is a time when many skin diseases are prone to occur. Especially now that it is the turn of winter and spring, the temperature difference between day and night changes greatly. In addition, the flowers bloom in spring and the rainy season creates a humid and cold environment. It is easy to cause “eczema” disease. A major attack is very disturbing to the patient. Experts say that patients with any history of skin diseases in the past need to make “advance arrangements” when the seasons change to prevent symptoms from affecting their daily life.
According to the content published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are many types of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, sweat herpes, seborrheic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, etc., among which “atopic dermatitis " is a relatively common form of eczema, which can easily cause symptoms such as dry skin, inflamed and itchy skin, the formation of red patches, and thickening of the skin in the affected area.
Eczema can affect any part of the body, and certain age groups may have symptoms in corresponding parts. For example, infants and young children suffering from atopic dermatitis are more likely to have red patches or itchy skin on the scalp and face; adults It often occurs in folds such as elbows and knee sockets. In addition, atopic dermatitis may also cause complications of varying severity, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis in adults, known as the “allergy trilogy”.
Spring pollen and rainy season may worsen eczema. Experts point out “6 situations” that are most harmful to the skin
Guidelines published by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) mention that eczema may occur from time to time due to many factors such as environment, diet, and lifestyle habits; in particular, the condition may be deeply affected by “seasonal changes.” Seasonal triggers of eczema include dramatic temperature changes, pollen, excessively dry air, body sweating, extreme weather patterns (too cold/too hot), sunburn, and more.
Dr. Jacqueline Eghrari-Sabet, an American expert in allergy and immunology, said that the main reason why seasonal changes affect the condition of eczema is exposure to “allergens”, especially pollen in spring and the growth of mold caused by moisture, which may lead to allergies in outpatients. Rhinitis or asthma become severe, and the impact of dust mites is greater during the transition between winter and spring, and the chance of eczema attacks may also increase.
“In addition, weather and temperature may also affect eczema: cold air and cold wind can worsen eczema, and excessive heat can cause sweating, which may also trigger eczema.” Dr. Eghrari-Sabet explained that many people misunderstand that exposure to the sun will cause eczema to develop. Relief, in fact, only through clinical “light therapy” treatment can the condition have a chance to be relieved; simply basking in the sun and causing sweating may make the condition worse.
Doctors urge you to prevent spring eczema outbreaks: 8 things to do after spring comes
Ksenia Sobchack, a practicing dermatologist in the UK, added that seasonal changes will significantly affect eczema symptoms, which is more obvious in spring and summer. “As the ambient temperature gradually rises and the humidity level increases simultaneously, the affected area is more susceptible to irritation.” She believes that patients with eczema should avoid contact with allergens during this period, which can help reduce sudden outbreaks and alleviate the severity of symptoms. .
Dr. Eghrari-Sabet said that patients with eczema can take preliminary prevention through the following measures:
Get tested for allergies. Find out if you have a reaction to spring pollen, and allergen-specific immunotherapy may be helpful. It is important to fully communicate with the attending physician before deciding on the type of treatment.
Avoid sources of allergies. Such as pollen, cockroaches, dust mites, pet hair, mold, etc. If you want to go out during pollen season, you should carry a mask with you.
Keep cool and dry. The temperature in spring is often unstable, and the weather is muggy at noon or afternoon. At this time, you can bring a handkerchief with you to wipe sweat, and try to stay in a cool place indoors to avoid sweating that may cause symptoms.
Use sunscreen lotion frequently. People with eczema have sensitive skin and are prone to burns due to overexposure to the sun. Therefore, you can choose a sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin or eczema skin to proactively protect your skin. You can also consult your attending physician before use to confirm whether it will affect skin lesions.
Add more water. If the temperature is high and the patient is prone to sweating, it is recommended to replenish water frequently to avoid excessive loss of skin moisture.
Choose breathable clothing. Eczema patients can choose clothing made of cotton or breathable and sweat-absorbent materials, which are less likely to cause skin allergies.
Reduce life stress. High-stress environments can trigger hormonal changes that lead to an inflammatory response in the skin, making symptoms worse. Patients can exercise moderately or develop their own hobbies under the advice of doctors to help relieve stress.
Moisturize your skin well. Eczema patients can apply lotion or Vaseline after taking a bath, which is beneficial to moisturizing the skin. In addition, when bathing, you must avoid strong alkaline bath products such as green soap or handmade soap to prevent the oil on the skin surface from being washed away and affecting the moisturizing work.
Sobchack said that eczema patients can prepare for the upcoming spring based on the above suggestions, which will help control the condition of eczema and maintain a normal life. In addition, if you are currently receiving a doctor’s prescription or treatment, you should avoid stopping the medication on your own; you should also fully discuss with a dermatologist before adjusting the prescription or lifestyle. Only a combination of treatment and good habits can completely control eczema.
Source:
ECZEMA TYPES: ATOPIC DERMATITIS CAUSES - AAD
ECZEMA TYPES: ATOPIC DERMATITIS DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT - AAD
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