Why does atopic skin suffer more during autumn?
Not every skin type is the same. As well as having different needs, there are different external factors that affect some types of skin more than others. In the case of atopic skin, the arrival of autumn is a time of year associated with a worsening of the symptoms.
Atopic skin is one of the most common skin problems. To speak of atopic skin is to speak of a sensitive skin which appears more vulnerable before certain circumstances. The seasonal changes are key moments to people with atopic skin and autumn is the most critical.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin illness considered benign but which affects the quality of life of the sufferers. It manifests itself as a dry and sensitive skin which itches intensely. The most frequent type is atopic skin in children but atopic dermatitis also occurs in adults.
The intense itching and the typical distribution are keys in the diagnosis. However, there are other inflammatory illness that can be differentiated such as itching of the skin or pityriasis alba.
Has your skin noticed that it’s autumn?
- Change in temperature: when autumn begins, the months of heat drop back to give way to the cold. This change in temperature evidently affects people with atopic skin, whose skin is already very sensitive to changes in temperature. The arrival of the cold also has consequences in the home. Having the heating on too high leads to an environment which is excessively dry and this effects people with atopic skin.
- Fabric: Autumn is also a time for a change of wardrobe. With the arrival of lower temperatures, we completely forget the summer clothes and wear jumpers and coats. The skin being in contact with synthetic fabric or wool can be irritating if you have atopic dermatitis.
- Return to routine: Autumn returning is synonymous with the return to routine for both children, with the return to school, and adults, with the familiar end of the holidays and resuming the working hours. Atopic dermatitis is closely linked to emotional reactions and it is known that this return to routine is a stressful factor which can trigger a flare-up.
Making autumn your favourite season even if you have atopic skin
If listening to the word autumn makes you shiver because the symptoms of atopic skin get aggravated, these recommendations will at least help you achieve the most bearable skin possible.
- Facial hygiene is very important before the application of the correct hydration. The less aggressive the product and the less perfume, the better.
- Additionally, atopic skin is very dry and fragile and, because of this, hydration is fundamental. Applying creams will add more hydration to the skin than applying lotions or oils. With a frequency of two times a day you will be able to maintain the skins hydration.
- At home, ventilate the rooms and avoid using the heating at an excessive temperature, it should be at around 20 degrees.
Choosing the type of skin we have is something that, unfortunately, is out of our hands. What you can do is learn how to look after it properly and make it look healthy.
