1. Stay Cool, Avoid Sweating, and Drink Enough Water
One reason summertime atopic dermatitis flare-ups might occur is the sweating that increased heat and humidity can trigger, says Susan Bard, MD, a dermatologist with Vive Dermatology Surgery and Aesthetics in Brooklyn, New York.
“Sweat contains various salts that can be irritating to broken skin, such as eczema skin,” Dr. Bard says. More specifically, Bard advises that sweat can contain the following:
- Zinc
- Copper
- Iron
- Nickel
- Cadmium
- Lead
- Manganese
- Sodium
- Chloride
When these build up and dry out, they leave a residue that can result in irritation.
The obvious first step is to try to minimize sweating. “The most important strategies are staying cool by avoiding excessively warm temperatures and reducing sweating,” says Daniel P. Friedmann, MD, a dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
Bard notes that this might mean sticking to the shade when you’re outside or staying indoors in an air-conditioned environment when the temperatures climb. (You may want to consider using a humidifier if your air conditioner dries out the air in your home too much.)
Be sure to drink plenty of water, too. That will help keep your body at a normal temperature. And opt for wide-brimmed hats and loose-fitting clothes in breathable fabrics and light colors that’ll reflect the sun (think wicking shirts and cotton).
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