It’s early June here in Toronto and we’ve already had a couple of heat waves. While most of us are staying at home, many of us want to get outside and enjoy a stroll or a bike ride around the block. With social distancing, travel restrictions and closure of many public attractions, just getting outside has been a big stress relief – but for those with eczema prolonged sun exposure can lead to flare-ups of itchy, painful rashes or allergic reactions.
At Brightpath, we have noticed that even patients from colder climates like here in Toronto need support to manage their eczema in summer. Fortunately, it is possible to manage the itch and discomfort of eczema in summer with some simple precautions and the help of natural eczema treatments. Here are three suggestions.
Regulate Perspiration
Excessive sweat can trigger eczema, so it is essential to keep your body as dry as possible. Sweating is unavoidable, but it is possible to reduce it by taking these steps:
- Keep your hands, feet, elbows, and knees as dry as possible. You might experience eczema flare-ups if sweat accumulates in these areas.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing made from breathable, natural fabrics like linen or cotton. They will keep your body cool and allow sweat to evaporate quickly.
- Carry a washcloth and bottle of cold water to wipe away any accumulated sweat.
- Take a cool shower if you are sweaty after you get home.
- Drink water and stay as hydrated as you can. Cool water will help regulate your body temperature and control sweating.
It is also a good idea to keep your skin moisturized using a product recommended for eczema. Taking these steps will help reduce perspiration-related eczema in summer.
Address Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are a common problem for eczema patients. You will experience a flare-up if you have either consumed or are around things you’re allergic to. It is essential to avoid irritants that cause adverse reactions like dust, dust mites, mold, pollen, dander, and even certain types of food. There are many steps you can take to avoid allergic reactions in areas like North York.
- Change your clothes as soon as you return home. They will have pollen and other irritants on them from the outdoors you’ll want to eliminate from your home. It’s also a good idea to take a quick, cool shower to remove sweat and allergens.
- Set up a cleaning schedule and take steps to minimize dust and prevent mites. It isn’t possible to eliminate dust from your environment, but it is possible to reduce it.
- Check for and remove all mold from your environment. Mold thrives in cool and damp environments and can trigger severe allergic reactions. Have mold removed by a professional to ensure it is fully gone.
- If you’re going to be traveling make sure you have dust masks and your own set of sheets with you. This will help prevent allergies and rashes.
Taking these preventive steps can help you avoid allergens and help control your eczema in summer. Prevention is always better than cure, and being cautious will help you enjoy your summer without incident.
Reduce Stress
Let’s face it, we’ve all been under a lot of stress since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having normal life turned upside down in such a short period of time can be hard. If you have eczema, it’s unwise to ignore the impact stress can have on your condition.
A combination of lifestyle changes, better control over your schedule and soothing activities like yoga and meditation will reduce stress significantly. Herbal medication prescribed by a Naturopathic Doctor can help regulate your response to stress. For more information about helpful supplements, check out Part 1 & Part 2 of our series on `How to Reduce Anxiety during Difficult Times`.
Finally, seeking out professional therapy can help significantly during stressful situations. A Mental Health Practitioner can provide you with structure and a proper guideline to combat the effects of stress on your overall health.
Do you have questions about your Eczema? Try a 15-minute Complementary Consultation with our Naturopathic Doctor for FREE. For more information on Eczema or how Naturopathic Medicine in North York can help, please get in touch with us. You can call us at 647-931-8108 or Email us at info@brightpathhealth.ca.
Written By: Gayamali Karunaratna, ND
Date: June 12, 2020
References:
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/house-cleaning-schedule
