My Three Tips for Managing Eczema in the Summer

Do you ever just dread the summer because of eczema and flare ups?

I hated the summer for a long time because I would flare a lot. The increased itchiness and sweat would give me hives. Specifically, what I dislike about summer is having to show more skin than usual. As eczema sufferers, we tend to get a lot of scarring, hyperpigmentation, and anxiety around showing our skin off. Now I wish summer would last longer because my skin has been thriving this time. Here are the three rules I follow to feel comfortable in the summer:

1. Just wear what you want
2. Let your skin breathe
3. Get that vitamin D

Just wear what you want

There have been many times when I would wear shorts, tank tops, or bikinis, and I would leave wherever I was. I would think in my mind that everyone was staring at my eczema. When, in fact, people are probably not even staring at you. I tend to think that everyone is staring at my skin, and I'm sure others do as well. I think it is important to understand that people might stare and say rude comments. Yet, you are taking the courage to put yourself out there, and you should be proud. When someone says a rude comment, I always think to myself, "We are all going through a struggle." When I say struggle, this can be a physical, mental, or spiritual struggle. As long as you are true to yourself and feel comfortable, you should always wear what you want.

Let your skin breathe (it helps with healing)

During the summer, when my skin would start to flare, I remember wearing a long t-shirt or sweaters to cover it up. I did this to avoid people asking me questions about my skin. Even then, people would still ask me, "Why are you wearing a sweater?". It wasn't until I heard a lot of people saying I was actually making my skin suffer more. My skin wasn't receiving enough airflow when I was covering it up. The hot clothes were suffocating it.

Get that vitamin D

As eczema sufferers, we sometimes want to avoid the sun at all costs and barely want to go out. I am one of those people that for a long time I would avoid the sun. When I got my blood work done last month, it showed I was low on vitamin D, and my doctor also recommended I get out more. Now, I get my skin out a few times a day. Currently, I am working from home, and I get to take my break outside to get some sun. I have noticed a huge difference in my skin and also mood.

In my case, the sun and being active helps my skin to heal faster. I know everyone is different, and it is important to listen to your body to see what works best for you. I hope we all get some positive healing soon.

How does your skin feel about summer?

Yay or nay?

Thanks for reading!

-Daisy