If your eczema —or your child's eczema —gets worse in spring, you’re not alone.
The frigid winter days are melting away, transforming into warm days full of blossoming flowers. You’re full of renewed energy and the unquenchable desire to get outside and enjoy the rebirth of nature…but your eczema could very well be extra itchy and inflamed.
If you experience seasonal eczema, you may be wondering why. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are a few common contributors to seasonal springtime eczema.
Wondering about the connection between eczema and weather? Check out our guides to eczema in winter and eczema in fall.
Why do I get eczema in spring?
Eczema in spring can often be attributed to changes in weather and the environment, including:
1. An increase in environmental irritants
Pollens from flowering plants and trees can trigger springtime allergies—and a related eczema flare-up. That’s because many people with eczema experience the atopic triad: the tendency for eczema, allergies (hayfever), and asthma to occur together.
If your eczema symptoms worsen due to pollen, consider getting an air purifier for your home. You may also want to monitor your time spent outdoors, and shower and moisturize after spending time outside. You may also want to avoid line-drying your clothes outside–pollen can land on your clean laundry and then irritate your skin when you put your clothes on.
2. Warmer weather and more air conditioning
Both the heat and cold affect eczema. That means finding an ideal balance between the two can help keep flare-ups at bay.
Springtime often means warmer temperatures. On warm days, wear loose cotton clothing to avoid overheating and experiencing eczema from sweat and eczema heat rash.
Spring can also bring temperature fluctuations throughout the day. To keep your skin comfortable, try to dress in layers so you can take off excess clothing throughout the day as the cold mornings give way to warmer afternoons.
If you live in a warmer climate, spring may be the time of year when you turn on your air conditioning. Keep in mind how often you run your indoor AC and how that affects your home’s humidity. Overuse of indoor air conditioning can dry out the air in your house. This in turn dries out your skin, which exacerbates eczema.
Try using a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated and improve the moisture content in the air. Be sure to regularly clean the machine, as mold can easily build up and contaminate your air quality.
3. More time outdoors in the sun
While it can be nice to soak up some sunshine after a long winter, being mindful of how much sun exposure your skin gets will help you avoid unwanted skin irritation. The UV rays from the sun can dry out the skin and trigger eczema flare-ups.
To combat the effects of more time in the sun, avoid the hot afternoon hours when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Also be sure to wear an eczema-friendly sunscreen that won’t irritate your skin. For the best protection, opt for 30 SPF or greater. If you’re swimming with eczema outside in the sun, be sure to reapply your sunscreen regularly.
Eczema and springtime activities with little ones
With warm temperatures and sunny days, of course, you want to let your kids run around at the playground and let out all that energy. When your little one has eczema, there are just a few things to keep in mind.
Grass is a common skin irritant. Walking barefoot, crawling on, or playing in the grass can trigger itching and irritation. To avoid this, try to keep your crawling child on a picnic blanket. For walkers, do the best you can to keep shoes on their feet. If your child has been playing in the grass, rinsing off and moisturizing afterwards can help soothe their skin. Avoiding the grass completely likely isn’t possible, but minimizing exposure can help keep irritation at bay.
Springtime holidays are often celebrated with candy and chocolate–two possible eczema triggers, especially if your child has food allergies. If your child is participating in an Easter egg hunt this spring, check their basket for possible allergens. Some children will experience worsening eczema symptoms from allergens like peanuts or dairy. Both can be found in common candies and chocolates. While this isn’t an issue for all people with eczema, it’s important to monitor how your child reacts.
All in all, with minor adjustments and considerations, your kids can enjoy a fun and celebratory spring.
Gladskin: Spring into Springtime with Confidence
Springtime is a beautiful time of year to be able to get outside and enjoy nature to its fullest. To keep your skin moisturized this season, try our Eczemact™ Body Lotion, which is formulated with squalane and ceramides to provide lasting relief from dry, dehydrated, sensitive skin. It moisturizes, replenishes skin lipids, and maintains and repairs the skin barrier.
We recommend using the Body Lotion together with Gladskin Eczema Cream with Micreobalance®, which restores bacterial balance to your skin microbiome. Learn more.