Why Does Heat Make Eczema Worse?

Summer is the season for outdoor fun, enjoying the sunshine and longer days with our loved ones. But when your little one’s skin flares up in the heat, it can make it hard to enjoy this time of year. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared with a consistent skincare routine, gentle sunscreen and a treatment plan from your medical professional to get through the warmer months!

Heat and hot weather are some of the most common eczema triggers, especially in children. But have you ever wondered why? Today, we’re exploring why heat can worsen eczema symptoms, with some tips for preventing flare-ups in the heat.

How does heat trigger eczema?

There are a couple of different factors to consider with how heat can trigger eczema:

1. Heat causes water loss, which dries out the skin. Dryness breaks down the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it susceptible to damage from irritants, bacteria and toxins.
2. Heat makes us sweat. Sweat takes moisture out of the skin and brings bacteria and irritants to the surface, which can aggravate and inflame the skin.
3. Heat can trigger itchiness, which keeps the eczema itch-scratch cycle going.

How can you prevent flare-ups in the heat?

Navigating and preventing eczema flare-ups can seem like a maze, and is a very individualised process – what works for one person may not work for others. But we hope these tips can help your little one have a more comfortable summer!

Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing

Loose-fitting cotton clothing is least likely to trap heat around your little one’s body during hot weather. Layering is a great strategy – depending on the weather, you can add or remove layers as they heat up or cool down during the day. This is especially important when you’re travelling in the car. Dress for car travel rather than your destination!

Breathable bedding

Night-time heat can trigger eczema too, so avoiding thick pyjamas and doonas, which can trap heat, is really important. Instead, you may want to opt for breathable cotton sheets, pyjamas and blankets instead of a doona.

Regular baths

Bathing eczema-prone little ones regularly has two benefits: it removes irritants from their skin and helps put moisture back in. Adding some Itchy Baby Co. Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak to a lukewarm bath leaves a thin film on the skin, which helps act as a barrier to trap moisture and prevent skin from drying out. The natural colloidal oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory and anti-itchy properties that can be helpful for skin prone to mild eczema.

Moisturising routine

Moisturising immediately after taking your little one out of the bath, after patting them dry and while their skin is still damp, will lock in hydration and can help protect the skin’s natural barrier. Our eczema moisturiser is made with 100% naturally sourced ingredients and has soothing colloidal oatmeal, shea butter and vitamin E, which can help protect your child’s skin.

Cold compresses

A cold compress on eczema skin can be an excellent way to lower the skin’s temperature and help manage itching. To make a cold compress, use a clean washcloth soaked in cold water. Rest it on the skin for a few minutes to take the heat out, and repeat until the skin has cooled down.

Choose an eczema-friendly sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens can aggravate eczema, so choosing a mineral-based sunscreen for your little one is a good idea. Itchy Baby Co. Natural Sunscreen SPF50 is clinically tested against sensitive baby skin and features non-nano zinc for UVA and UVB protection.

This 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.