How does the weather affect my child's eczema?

Everyone’s eczema is different, so it is hard to say how your child’s eczema will be in different weather. Hot or cold weather and sudden changes in temperature can make your child's eczema worse.

Some people find that pollen can make their child's eczema worse.

This section will give tips on how to care for your child's skin in summer, winter, and during holidays. Click the topics you want to find out more about.

In summer        In winter        During holidays

How can I care for my child's skin in the summer?

Tip 1 - Keep cool

Heat can trigger eczema and make it feel very itchy. Wearing hats and loose-fitting cotton clothes can help protect your child against the sun and help keep them cool and comfortable. Babies less than 6 months old should not be exposed to direct sunlight. So it’s best to keep them in the shade at all times.

Tip 2 – Deal with sweat

Although sweating is a normal response to heat and exercise, it can irritate skin with eczema. It can be painful when on damaged skin. So it can be helpful for your child to have a quick shower or bath when they are very sweaty.

Tip 3 - Moisturise

Being outdoors in the summer can dry out the skin. So it is important to keep on top of using your child's moisturising cream. It’s best to use your child's moisturising cream at least 30 minutes before using sunscreen. If you put moisturiser on just before the sunscreen, the sunscreen may be diluted and not work properly.

You may find a thinner moisturiser will be better on hot days. Some children find a thick moisturising cream or grease makes them hot, sticky and itchy. Some find it helpful to keep their creams in the fridge so that it cools their skin when they put it on.

Tip 4 - Use sunscreen

Choosing a sunscreen can be a little like choosing a moisturising cream. Most people with eczema find it helpful to avoid fragrance and other ingredients that may trigger eczema.

Some sunscreens can make your child’s eczema worse. So you may need to try a few different ones until you find one that works for your child.

How can I care for my child's skin in the winter?

Lots of people’s eczema flares up in the winter. This can be because of the cold weather and heating indoors. 

Tip 1: Moisturise often

Skin is likely to dry out more quickly in winter. One way some families deal with this is by switching to a thicker moisturising cream. Others find that using moisturising creams more often can keep their skin from drying out in the winter. Sticking to your morning routine of applying moisturising creams can help with protecting against the cold air.

Tip 2: Protect your child’s hands

Hands are often more at risk than any other part of the body during the winter. They are usually washed many times a day and are open to the cold air. Washing hands throughout the day can wash off natural oils that look after your skin.

People have found that using moisturising creams after washing their hands can help keep control of hand eczema. It can stop cracking and bleeding from the knuckles.

While outside, wearing gloves can be a great way to protect hands from the cold air or wind. They should not be made of material that would make your child’s eczema worse.

Tip 3: Turn down the heat

It can be tempting to keep the heating on high inside. But hot air can dry out the skin and cause eczema to flare up. People have found keeping the heating at no higher than 20-22 degrees keeps the skin comfortable.

Keeping the temperature in the bedroom cooler can help with being comfortable during the night.

You can find out more about keeping cool at night in the ‘sleep’ section, which you can get from the ‘itch, stress and sleep’ menu above.

Tip 4: Bundle up outside

Layers can really help with your child’s skin in the winter. This is because layers can be taken off to stop your child getting too hot, which can make them itchy.

Wearing soft and breathable materials, like cotton, against the skin can help your child stay comfortable while outside. Most people with eczema find that wool makes their skin itch more. Sometimes man-made fibres, like nylon, can feel rough and irritate the skin. Clothes labels can also irritate. It is important to wear clothes that feel comfortable.

Tip 5: Warm rather than hot showers

Hot showers or baths can strip away the natural oils in the skin. People have found that spending less time in the shower or lowering the temperature can be helpful.

Putting on moisturising creams after your child’s bath or shower helps protect the skin and locks in moisture. Go to the ‘moisturising creams’ section from the menu above for more information about using moisturising creams.

Will my child’s eczema get better or worse on holiday?

Some children find that their eczema improves or even clears up on holiday. Some people find that seawater also helps their eczema.

For others, hot and humid climates can make eczema worse. It’s hard to know how your skin will be because everyone is different.

Read the sections below to find out what you could take when going on holiday that can help manage eczema on the road.

What should I think about when I'm going on holiday?

Supplies

Remember to take plenty of your child’s flare control creams and moisturising creams with you so you don’t run out. If travelling by air make sure to pack any creams over 100ml into checked-in luggage. If you’re not checking-in any bags, you will need to move the creams into containers that are 100ml or less and can fit into a transparent re-sealable plastic bag. Some airlines do allow you to take liquids more than 100ml with a doctor’s note or a copy of your child’s prescription. You may want to check with your airline before travelling to check if they allow this and what documents they need to see.

Moisturising creams

Some children prefer using a thinner moisturising cream during the day with hot weather. Thicker moisturising creams can make them feel hot, sticky and itchy.

Sunscreens

Putting on sunscreen is essential for protecting your child's skin in the sun. Try not to rub the cream too hard to avoid setting off itching. Some sunscreens come as a spray, which may make it easier to apply. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours during the day and after swimming. Check expiry dates before packing your sunscreen.

Cool clothing

Packing cool and loose fitting clothes can help keep your child cool. Cotton clothes are ideal as cotton lets skin breathe.