Does Eczema Get Worse in Spring?

Spring can be such a beautiful time of year – the days get warmer, the flowers bloom, and we can enjoy more time outside as a family. But when your child has eczema-prone skin, spring can also bring an increase in environmental triggers that can lead to itchy flare-ups. Today, we want to explore some of the reasons why eczema symptoms can get worse in spring and how you can prepare to minimise flares.

Why can spring make eczema worse?

1. Warmer days

Heat is a very common trigger for eczema. When the days warm up, we tend to also rely more on air conditioning, which can dry out the skin and worsen eczema symptoms.

Some ways to help your child keep cool and comfortable as the weather warms up can include:

• Enjoying outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day to avoid getting too hot
• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing to allow their skin to breathe – we’ve shared more eczema-friendly clothing tips here
• Playing in the shade
• Choosing cooling activities like water play for your little one
• Make sure they stay hydrated throughout the day

2. More sunshine

As the days get longer and the UV rating climbs, protecting your child’s skin from the sun is even more essential. While safe sun exposure can actually be helpful for some people with eczema-prone skin, little ones are also more sensitive to the sun. Too much sun can lead to damaging sunburn and cause little ones to overheat, which can cause worsening eczema symptoms.

Some ways to help protect your little one from the sun can include:

• Using the SunSmart app to monitor UV levels throughout the day and using sun protection when appropriate
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat outdoors and keeping your little one in the shade where possible
• Applying a natural SPF50 sunscreen whenever your child might be exposed to the sun's rays. Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide can be a gentler choice for sensitive skin. Be sure to reapply frequently, especially after swimming.

3. More exposure to environmental allergens

With spring flowers comes spring pollen! Environmental triggers like pollen and grass (grass pollen) come alive in spring and can trigger allergy symptoms – and can also lead to eczema flare-ups. While most types of eczema are not allergies, some can experience a flare-up when exposed to things that might cause an allergic reaction.

If your little one's skin reacts to environmental triggers like pollen, grass and dust, you can help control exposure by:

• Using a picnic rug to sit on instead of sitting directly on grass
• Gently cleansing their skin each day to wash away triggers, and follow with moisturiser. Our Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak helps to gently cleanse the skin at bath time while adding much-needed moisture.
• Considering an air purifier for your home to reduce allergens indoors
• Changing their clothes after they've been outside playing and taking off shoes before coming inside
• Damp wiping down surfaces in your home daily to remove pollen and dust

While the warmer months can present new challenges for those prone to eczema, planning ahead and being mindful of your little one’s triggers can go a long way in managing flare-ups. And as always, be sure to stay consistent with your little one’s moisturising skincare routine to help protect and nourish their skin.

Wishing you a wonderful spring full of happy family memories!

This blog post was brought to you and your baby with love by the Itchy Baby Co. team. X

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.