PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — For people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis, heat and humidity can make symptoms worse. Health experts say some clothing and fabrics can cause additional skin irritation.
“The choice of fabric and style can really make a difference, especially for people with sensitive skin or chronic breakouts,” says allergist and immunologist Dr. Kara Wada.
Doctors say that in hot and humid summer weather you should wear loose clothing.
“Choose cotton or linen clothing that is breathable and light in color. This will help reflect some of the heat, allowing our skin to breathe and stay cool,” says Dr. Wada.
“Inflammation of the skin makes it more irritated and itchy, which is the main reason for the sensitive skin and eczema we experience in the summer,” says Dr. Wada.
“Flowy fabrics are more comfortable,” says Dr. Wada. “They allow for better air circulation and help keep the skin dry in areas where it’s slightly damp.”
Dr. Wada also recommends making sure to use a fragrance-free lotion to lock in moisture, adding that even sweaty skin can become dry in the summer.
Doctors say it’s also important to protect your skin from the sun. People with sensitive skin who have trouble tolerating chemical sunscreens can choose a broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen.
Stephanie Starr is an Emmy Award-winning health journalist who appears daily on CBS News Philadelphia and Philly57.