The Effects of Climate and Weather on Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition where the body is not able to trap the moisture in the skin, which leads to dryness, itchiness, and more. Healthy skin usually has a protective barrier around it. In case, an individual has a compromised or broken skin barrier, they can develop eczema.
This article focuses on how the weather can affect this skin disease and the best and worst climates for this condition.
Weather Vs Eczema
Humans have the ability to adapt to different climates and weather conditions. But, those who suffer from eczema can often see aggravated symptoms and flareups based on the climate.
For example, winter and cold climates can lead to further dryness of the skin, which can worsen the symptoms of eczema. Individuals who suffer from the disease can thus experience worse cases of itching and flakiness. Not to mention, sweaters made of wool and other material can affect the skin negatively too. Hot weather can also have an adverse effect on eczema. Summer and other hot climates are typically accompanied by high pollen count, which is a known trigger of the condition. Hot and dry climates can also affect the skin negatively. Humidity can lead to sweating, which can again cause eczema to flare as it contains small amounts of metal and minerals.
Skin conditions can be difficult to live with, this is why it is very important to live in an area with a suitable climate. A good climate, in this case, is one that has the least number of triggers for your skin issues and does not affect it negatively. Which brings us to the question — which climate is the best and the worst for eczema?
Which weather is the best or worst for eczema?
Unfortunately, there is not one singular best-suited climate for all those who suffer from eczema. This is because there are different types of eczema and each individual experiences the skin disease and its symptoms in a different manner. The only way to find out what works best for you is to examine how your skin reacts in different climates and weather conditions.
Typically, research has shown that cold climates and conditions are worse for those who suffer from eczema. Instead, individuals who suffer from it should try choosing a place with low humidity, pleasant sunlight, and an overall mild climate. In the USA, there are a few cities that match this profile. They include San Francisco, South Florida, Austin in Texas, Honolulu in Hawaii, and even New York City. The worst cities for eczema in the country include Minneapolis, Chicago, Boston, and even Salt Lake City.