Suffering from eczema? 7 ways you can cope with the worsening heat and humidity

Don't you sometimes wish Singapore exists under an air-conditioned dome? How wonderful it would be to eat at the hawker centre with the same joie de vivre that Parisiennes have at al fresco cafes. No more furtive online searches while at work for affordable air tickets to cool weather destinations because you’d be living it.

But no. Our collective Singapore experience is a nightly mess of balled-up duvets and dampened sheets, especially for the past few unimaginably hot and humid weeks. In the day, it feels like you're wearing a sweaty meat suit that smells as pleasant as it sounds. For those who suffer from eczema, it's akin to wearing a scratchy wool jumper underneath said meat suit.

So, what can one do in Sweat Land, particularly if you have an angry skin condition that’s demanding to see the manager like a Karen? Here are some tips and products to soothe and calm these hot situations, whether you have eczema or not.

1. WEAR A COOLING NECK RING

Sweat actually dries out skin, while the minerals it contains can sting and irritate it. Stay cool with this reusable cooling ring that you wear around your neck. It contains a gel that freezes faster than water and can hold its frozen state for 40 minutes to two hours. You can throw it into the freezer, ice water or even in an air-conditioned room to freeze it. And unlike a handheld fan and ice, it doesn't need batteries or melt into a mess.

2. HAVE SOME FROZEN WATERMELON

There is only so much gelato and iced bubble tea you can have before you start to gain weight. A healthier – and more hydrating alterative – is to slice up a watermelon (you can also scoop or cube the flesh) and put it in the freezer. If you have more time, pop the frozen watermelon with other fruits into the blender and make a refreshing smoothie.

Watermelon is 91 per cent water and 7.5 per cent carbs, and has Vitamins A, B5 and C, potassium and copper. And if the heat is also raising your blood pressure, watermelon rind (the white part) contains citrulline, an amino acid that is known to dilate and relax blood vessels. 

3. TAKE AN ICE BATH (OR AT LEAST A VERY COLD SHOWER)

Sitting in a tub filled with ice water sounds like a perfectly good way to cool down. But be prepared for the painful sensation when you put your body in – and stay in – temperatures measuring 10 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius for 30 to 60 minutes.

Those who have gotten used to the shocking experience say it improves mental clarity, reduces muscle soreness caused by exercise-induced inflammation as well as boosts immune functions. But doctors warn that those with high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease might be better off taking a regular bath.

4. GO FOR A SWIM

The chlorine in swimming pools is found to reduce skin inflammation and itching in some studies – and not to mention, sheer relief from the blistering heat. That said, spending too much time (two hours, according to another study) in chlorinated water can dry out skin.

Doctors recommend applying petroleum jelly, or a moisturising or emollient cream before entering the pool just to be safe. But it is a must to slather on a moisturiser after showering; and apply it within three minutes of patting yourself dry. It’ll also help to change out of your swimming gear as soon as you finish swimming.

Of course, not everyone with eczema will find chlorinated water welcoming, so check with your doctor if you’re not sure.

5. EXERCISE INDOORS AND WASH UP IMMEDIATELY 

Avoid exercising under the hot afternoon sun if outdoors, and opt for indoor, air-conditioned environments if you can. Remember to take regular breaks and hydrate adequately. Dab away sweat with a towel, instead of on your clothes. And take a break or go slow on days when your eczema is flaring.

After exercise, it is important to have a quick, cool shower with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cleanser to wash off the sweat and other substances your skin may come into contact with. Moisturise within three minutes after dabbing dry.

Back home, wash your clothes with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Liquid laundry detergents tend to leave less residue on clothes than powders.

6. USE OATMEAL IN YOUR BATH

Did you know that oatmeal has been used since Roman times to soothe skin? More specifically, colloidal oatmeal (not the same as instant oatmeal), is still used today for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to protect skin’s moisture and relieve itch.

You can make your own colloidal oatmeal by grinding whole, uncooked oatmeal in a food processor, coffee grinder or blender until it resembles a fine, off-white powder. To test, a teaspoon should turn 470ml of water milky white; otherwise, grind it further.

For a skin-nourishing oatmeal bath, add a cup of colloidal oat to lukewarm water and mix thoroughly. Soak in the water for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off. Towel dry your skin gently and moisturise immediately. Oatmeal soaps and other oatmeal toiletries can also soothe skin while providing gentle cleansing.

7. WEAR CLOTHES MADE OF NATURAL FIBRE

Materials made of natural fibres are skin-friendly as they absorb sweat and allow your skin to breathe. Other than good ol’ cotton, there is also bamboo, which is said to be even more absorbent than cotton, is antibacterial and the best part, it can regulate temperature. If you can’t stop yourself from scratching, especially during sleep, get gloves made from bamboo to prevent you from directly scratching your skin.

Moisture-wicking sports apparel sounds like a good idea but certain types of polyester fabrics are rough and can increase friction on skin, especially when dampened with sweat. Ditto when it comes to tight activewear such as leggings and compression wear.

A good choice of sportswear? Light, breathable, absorbent clothing made of cotton. And you might want to wash it first before wearing as it may have a finish to make it look appealing in the store.