Beating the Summer Heat
For many eczema patients, the bodily response of sweating is a one-way ticket to an eczema flare. When my skin was at it’s absolute worst (my pre-Dupixent days), I found that I’d avoid going outside at all costs just so I could avoid the fallout. Now that my skin is in much better shape, this isn’t as much of a concern. Regardless, I’ve learned a few ways to beat the summer heat over the years. Read on to learn some of my favorite techniques for cooling down during the summer months.
Air conditioning
The easiest way to avoid the summer heat is to find some good old air conditioning. Whether you’re hanging out at home, in your car, or a local business, it’s just about everywhere these days.
Household items
If your access to air conditioning is restricted, there are likely a few items lying around your home that could offer you some relief, including a fan, ice packs, popsicles or a cool washcloth. Do you have a basement? If you do, head down there for some extra relief from the heat.
Hit the lake or any body of water
One of the great perks of living in Michigan is our abundance of lakes. Not only do we have our five Great Lakes, but there are over 11,000 others to enjoy! Needless to say, I like to take advantage of this option—especially if it’s a hot and sunny day. Nothing beats the sensation of cool water on my skin or the wind in my face while riding around on a boat or jetski.
Sometimes access to a lake isn’t a feasible option. In that case, head to your nearest (swimmable) body of water. You could try your local swimming pool, or if you’re lucky, the ocean, as a substitute. As a last resort option, you can always take a nice cold shower at home.
Stay hydrated
If you’ve read some of my other articles, this suggestion shouldn’t be much of a surprise. One of the best things you can do for your body, and skin, is to keep it hydrated. Drink ample amounts of water and stay away from alcoholic or caffeinated beverages as they tend to pull water from the body and encourage dehydration.
Get creative
If you’re a certified “Sweat Evasion Specialist” like me, you probably think the suggestions above are a little basic for your level of knowledge. If that’s the case, get creative with your cool-down strategy and try the more advanced techniques listed below.
Create a DIY air conditioner
Search, “How to make a DIY air conditioner” and take your pick of the articles. There are many different ways to go about creating a DIY air conditioning device.
Optimize your fans
There are two ways to go about this. The first option is to create a cross breeze. All you have to do is place your box fan across from an open window. The result is a wind current that feels nice across some heated skin. The second option is to place a box fan in an open window. The trick here is to make sure it’s pointing outside.
As you can tell, there are dozens of different ways to cool your skin down. If you’ve got an off-the-wall or unique technique, comment with your method below!
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