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Are Beach Days The Perfect Remedy For Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that has an effect on your daily life, no matter how hard you try to avoid your triggers. Some people struggle to find a link between their symptoms and their environment, and flare-ups can have a negative impact on their lives. Interestingly, some eczema sufferers find that beach days help to clear up and heal their skin. Since summer has arrived and the sunny Florida beaches are calling, dermatologists at Academic Alliance in Dermatology want to address patients’ most common questions about eczema at the beach.

Is Going To The Beach Good For Eczema?

Dermatologists seem to be divided on the answer to this question. The truth is that each individual’s skin is different, so their experience at the beach is going to differ from other eczema sufferers.

For example, since seawater has soothing, healing properties that are beneficial for other skin conditions like psoriasis, one might expect a trip to the seaside to be of similar benefit to those with eczema. However, it really is a case-by-case basis. Our recommendation is that you give it a try, bearing in mind some tips we’ll talk about in a minute.

Why Does My Eczema Flare Up At The Beach?

If you’re one of the many people whose eczema (aka atopic dermatitis) flares up at the beach, there might be several factors at play. First, your skin may be too sensitive for swimming in the cool ocean water (though here on the gulf, this may be less of an issue). You may also want to consider that you may be using the wrong sunscreen for sensitive, eczema-prone skin— or perhaps you aren’t using enough to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. One final consideration is your bug repellant— if you are using any.

Eczema Beach Tips

Since our dermatology patients have varying responses to the sun, sand, and seawater of our beautiful Florida beaches, we don’t necessarily recommend that you avoid the beach— after all, there’s a reason we all choose to live in this amazing state! As you plan your oceanside trips this summer, keep the following tips in mind so that you can have a fun time without suffering when you get home.

  • Be confident in your sunblock; a trip to the beach isn’t the time to experiment with a new product, especially when you have eczema.

  • Reapply your sunblock as often as the label recommends— a lapse in sun protection can trigger eczema in many of our patients.

  • The same goes for bug repellant; use one you know your skin isn’t going to react to.

  • If swimming in the seawater burns or itches intensely, get out and rinse off.

  • When you towel dry, pat, don’t rub your skin.

  • As soon as you get home, shower to remove old sunscreen and dried seawater.

  • Pay close attention to your symptoms after your beach day. If you notice an improvement in your eczema, plan some more oceanside fun!

Consult A Dermatologist

Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about your skin or eczema in general, feel free to schedule an appointment with our professional dermatologists here at Academic Alliance in Dermatology. We can help you discover your triggers and find a treatment method that works for you.

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