How to dress for the summer if you have eczema

It can be really hard to get excited about summer when your skin feels like the Itchy & Scratchy show. Eczema – the skin condition that causes dry, flaky and inflamed skin – certainly has a way of dampening the sunny mood. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Just because you suffer with eczema, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beach days, floaty sun-dresses and everything else that summer has to offer. In fact, sunlight can really help to improve eczema. While covering up only creates more sweat, which can exacerbate the condition.

So, let your skin breathe!

To help you curate a wardrobe that will be soothing and comfortable to wear, we’ve drawn up our very best eczema-busting tips.

1. Show some skin

When you’re experiencing a skin flare-up, the temptation is to hide away in a muumuu. But this is counter-productive. Overheating in swathes of fabric can make your eczema worse. Which in turn gives you further incentive to cover up. Stop the Catch-22 cycle! UV light has anti-inflammatory properties in small doses and speeds up the healing process of your skin. So, dare to bare your arms, legs, everything.

2. Wear loose-fitting clothing

If your skin is itchy, wearing tight, constrictive clothing will only make it worse. Instead opt for flowing dresses, baggy jumpsuits and floaty kaftans.

3. Steer clear of dyes

Coloured dyes can provoke reactions in super-sensitive, eczema-prone skin. It’s much safer to stick to neutral, organic hues.

4. Go for cotton everything

Cotton is great for eczema sufferers because it is so soft. The quality of the fabric helps to keep skin irritation to a minimum. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, however, should be avoided at all costs.

For the times when your eczema is feeling really raw and sore, turn to Frezyderm.

Our specialised range of creams, milky bath oils and shampoos helps to nourish and care for eczema-prone skin.