How doctors say you can protect your skin from heat-related flare ups
EVANS, Ga. (WJBF)- The summertime heat is on here in the CSRA and the high temperatures can impact your skin.
Over 30 million Americans are impacted by eczema, 7.5 million experience psoriasis, and heat rash can target anyone. That’s why dermatologists say it’s important to stay protected as temperatures rise.
“Although we need to protect ourselves from the sun to prevent photoaging and skin cancers, the sun itself can actually make some rashes better…,” Southern Dermatology Medical Director and Dermatologist Dr. Briana Brown said.
But doctors say that’s depending on your personal skin-type and condition.
“So, it’s interesting. The heat itself is usually always going to exacerbate or worsen any type of dermatitis, but there is a caveat to that… Some eczemas can actually perform a little bit better. But that being said, overall, it’s still best to protect your skin from the sun.,” Dr. Brown said.
Dominique Lebby is someone who has been impacted by all three skin conditions.
“I have naturally dry skin, so my skin tends to be drier in the summer because I’m perspirating, so when I perspirate, it evaporates a lot faster, and so it makes my skin a lot drier…”
And while Dr. Brown shares the sun can be good for certain skin conditions, the heat is another irritation.
“The heat is a different type of source. The heat will cause inflammation in the skin to rise, and any kind of chronic rash like eczema, psoriasis, heat rash worse.”
For some, being in the heat is inevitable, especially if you work or exercise in it. But both Lebby and Dr. Brown say there are things you can do to reduce flares like a one percent hydrocortisone for mild skin rashes.
“You wanna make sure, if you are in the sun, you use sunscreen, you cover up, you have on a hat– something– to cover yourself from the sun. And not just like the heat, but the UV rays of the sun…,” Lebby said.
“Really finding a good, breathable fabric that still has UPF coverage- -so, not all clothing is made the same. There is clothing that is specifically designed to help your skin stay protected from the sun, while also being breathable so you’re not trapping moisture which can make a lot of skin conditions worse. And then secondly, investing in a good sunscreen…,” Dr. Brown said.
Most of the medications you can get to reduce flare ups, doctors say, can be purchased at your local pharmacy. For more information on these types of skin conditions, visit: Mayo Clinic, The Psoriasis Organization and The National Eczema Association.
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