Humidity and eczema – What’s the link?

How does humidity affect eczema?

The weather can have a significant impact on eczema¹.  The high humidity levels in summer can be uncomfortable when you are out and about and may increase sweat-induced eczema. However, the high moisture levels of the air save skin from drying out. This reduces itching, scratching and eczema flare-ups. 

As the weather changes from summer to autumn, the air starts to dry out. This is because as it cools it can hold less water vapour. However, when we heat up this drier autumn and winter air in our homes, it can hold more water. As a result, moisture is drawn out of the indoor environment into the air. The problem for eczema sufferers is that our skin is around 60% water and part of the indoor environment. The warm, dry indoor air dries the skin, making it more itchy and more prone to eczema flare-ups. This means that warm indoor air is just as problematic for eczema sufferers as cold, biting winds.

As well as being itchy, dry and cracked, the damaged skin barrier is more vulnerable to any irritants that it comes into contact with². Dry skin is often more sensitive in low humidity than when the air is more moist. It’s not uncommon for laundry detergents or toiletries that have been fine to use all summer, to suddenly become irritating.

In addition, it is during this time of year that heavier and thicker clothes start to make an appearance. Some fabrics and materials are known to exacerbate scratching and irritation. Wool, for example, is a known irritant for those suffering from eczema. Cotton and silk much typically safer and more comfortable options.

It’s at this point that eczema can feel like a vicious circle – with no obvious ways to minimise the irritation as we move further into autumn and winter. That’s why managing your child’s eczema and minimising the exposure to irritants is an important part of ensuring optimum comfort with the changing weather. 

How to manage eczema as humidity falls

Moving into autumn and winter, it can be tempting to turn up the central heating. However, the warmer you make the air, the more you risk drying out the skin. Aim for an indoor temperature that is comfortable when you’re wearing with a jumper or cotton sweater rather than just a t-shirt, about 18-19°C.

As always, the National Eczema Society has some excellent tips for managing eczema with the changing weather.  We’ve tried all of these suggestions and share with you below the ones we have found to be most helpful:

• Aim to keep all rooms at a consistent temperature, to avoid the effect of changing environments on the skin. 
• Some people find humidifiers to be helpful though it’s worth noting there’s no scientific evidence that they are of benefit³. Aim for an average indoor relative humidity of 30-50%. Higher humidity levels (above 55%) can encourage house dust mites, another common eczema trigger. Rather than investing in an expensive electronic humidifier, try using radiator humidifiers or placing a bowl of water next to your radiators. Make sure that humidifiers are kept scrupulously clean and refresh the water daily to minimise the risk of mould build ups.
• While it may seem counterintuitive, throw open your windows every so often to let in the fresh air. Adequate ventilation is key for warding off mould and damp, which can both contribute to eczema irritation if allowed to set in. 
• Switch to using a heavier emollient. This will help to minimise the moisture lost from your child’s skin. Make sure that you keep their skin topped up with the emollient applied as and when required.
• Say goodbye to scratchy and irritating wool scarfs and gloves, and instead opt for softer fabrics which soothe the skin. It is important during the winter months to focus on keeping exposed parts of the skin well moisturised, with hands well protected and lip balms a definite must-have. 
• Hydrate from the inside: make your that your child drinks plenty of water and eats a healthy and balanced diet. 

Managing eczema whatever the weather

We cannot escape the fact that the cooling weather has an effect on humidity. The dry air that comes with winter’s low humidity serves to further dry out and irritate the skin. 

Gaining an understanding of the impact of weather on skin – and more specifically eczema – is an important part of managing the condition. From there, it’s all about how you manage your environment and integrate small changes which help your child’s skin to stay as hydrated as possible.