Spring is a season that plenty of people look forward to, except maybe those who suffer from eczema. This chronic condition commonly poses flare-related challenges at this time of year and, as a dedicated family medicine physician, I want to highlight some topics that could bring you relief as your skin goes through the changing temps, blooms, and weather conditions.
Common Springtime Eczema Challenges
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. This skin condition can present with a variety of symptoms, including:
- Dryness
- Scaliness
- Itching
- Sensitivity
- Inflammation
- Scaly patches
Eczema is commonly nicknamed “flex-ema,” because this condition can often worse along the creased or flexed areas of the body, like the crook of the elbow or behind the knee.
People who have asthma also experience allergic rhinitis – better known as hay fever – and asthma. This atopic triad – eczema, hay fever, and asthma – can make people so uncomfortable that it feels like the struggle to manage these chronic conditions is insurmountable.
Managing Eczema Triggers
What many people do not realize is that allergens like pollen and mold often trigger eczema flares or make eczema more difficult to manage. For some patients, lifestyle or environmental factors might need to change. Focusing on this aspect of care is a priority when meeting with patients who have eczema and experience seasonally related flares.
Some recommendations you may receive as an eczema sufferer is to:
- Dress in breathable fabrics that do not irritate the skin.
- Use gentle cleansers.
- Apply an appropriate fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Avoid irritating spring cleaning products.
When you have eczema-prone skin, it’s necessary to consider every product you use, everything that comes in contact with your skin – even the soft breezes of the season can be drying – and monitor for any reactions.
Topical medications may be needed to manage symptoms, but some people may need prescription medications too. If you suffer from eczema, severe springtime allergies, or suspect that you have a skin condition, schedule an appointment with me, Dr. Maria Swetech.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
