Weather shifts can negatively affect sensitive skin. Whether you’re struggling with a new rash, dryness, irritation, or other concerning issues, the board-certified dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology, P.C., can help.
We understand how frustrating seasonal skin rashes can be. Let us help you navigate them with expert dermatology care and treatment.
Understanding Seasonal Skin Rashes
What Causes Seasonal Skin Reactions
Pollen, ragweed, and mold spores are common culprits of seasonal skin allergies. When they come into contact with exposed skin, they can trigger redness, itching, and rashes, making seasonal changes challenging, especially for sensitive skin.
Types of Seasonal Skin Conditions
Types of seasonal skin conditions include:
- Heat rash.
- Acne breakouts.
- Eczema flare-ups.
- Psoriasis.
- Rosacea.
- Contact dermatitis.
- Melasma.
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash.
- Sunburn.
Knowing how your skin reacts to changes in air quality can help you get ahead of seasonal skin rashes. Ideally, no exposure to irritants and allergens would work best, but that is not always a viable option.
Seasonal Patterns in Skin Allergies
Seasonal changes have a significant impact on your skin. Drier, colder air in the fall and winter exacerbates conditions like eczema and psoriasis. In contrast, warmer, humid air in the summer can contribute to acne breakouts and increase your risk of sunburn, allergies, rashes, fungal infections, and more.
Autumn-Specific Skin Concerns
Fall Allergens That Trigger Rashes
If you’re your loved one tends to experience skin issues in the fall and winter, one or more of the following allergens may be to blame:
- Ragweed.
- Pollen.
- Mold.
- Dust mites.
- Increased indoor pet dander.
- Certain plants, chemicals, or metals.
- Cockroaches.
How Changing Weather Affects Your Skin
As the hot, humid days of summer transition to the cold, dry months of fall and winter, your skin’s natural barrier can weaken, leading to dryness and increased irritation.
These seasonal shifts can also worsen pre-existing skin conditions, making proper skincare essential.
Common Autumn Rash Patterns
Here are some common rash patterns seen in the fall:
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Red, itchy, and scaly patches, especially on the hands, face, inner elbows, and inner knees. - Contact Dermatitis
Red, inflamed, itchy, or blistering skin where contact has occurred. - Chapped or Windburned Skin
Raised, itchy welts that may come and go. - Fungal rashes (Tinea or Candida Infections)
Red, itchy patches with scaling or blistering, especially in skin folds. - Psoriasis Flare-Ups
Thick, scaly plaques, often on the scalp, elbows, and knees.
Identifying Your Seasonal Rash
Contact Dermatitis vs. Eczema
While contact dermatitis is a type of seasonal eczema, it’s specifically triggered by direct contact with irritants like plants, chemicals, or metals. In contrast, eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic condition caused by inflammation, often flaring up due to seasonal changes, allergens, or dry air.
Hives and Seasonal Urticaria
Acute urticaria, commonly known as hives, is an allergic reaction triggered by temperature changes, allergens, or stress. It typically lasts from a few days to a few weeks.
Chronic urticaria, on the other hand, can persist for months or even years, appearing and disappearing unpredictably over time.
When Psoriasis Flares Seasonally
Psoriasis flares can be seasonal, with worsening symptoms often occurring in the drier, colder months. However, some may find summer conditions, like humidity, can also trigger flare-ups.
Effective Treatment Approaches
Over-the-Counter Solutions
If you struggle with seasonal itchy skin, over-the-counter medications may help. Seek medical advice before using over-the-counter medications for a child’s rash or any rash occurring on or near the genitals.
Look for the following ingredients, and be sure to follow the instructions on the label:
- Zinc oxide ointment.
- Calamine lotion.
- Hydrocortisone cream (1%).
However, if your rash does not improve, worsens, or reappears, seek high-quality dermatological care at Advanced Dermatology, P.C.
Prescription Treatment Options
Depending on the type and severity of your seasonal skin rash and other symptoms, your physician or dermatologist may prescribe one or more of the following medications:
- Antihistamines.
- Corticosteroids.
- Leukotriene inhibitors.
- Topical immunomodulators.
- Allergen immunotherapy.
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Skin Issues
For seasonal skin issues like dryness, itchiness, and rashes, one or more of the following natural remedies can soothe your skin and offer some relief:
- Colloidal oatmeal.
- Coconut oil.
- Aloe vera.
- Humidifier.
- Cold compress.
- Baking soda and water paste.
- Apple cider vinegar and water.
- Tea tree oil.
- Honey.
Prevention Strategies by Season
Fall Prevention Tactics and Winter Preparation
If your skin reacts poorly to dry, cold air, here are a few things you can do to lower your risk of fall skin allergies:
- Cover your skin as much as possible when outdoors. Be sure to wear soft, breathable fabrics.
- Use a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic moisturizer immediately after bathing.
- Take shorter showers with warm water.
- Use a humidifier indoors.
- Avoid harsh soaps.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear SPF 30 or higher when outdoors.
- Gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells.
- Disinfect surfaces.
Spring Allergy Readiness
If you are prone to seasonal skin rashes in the spring and summer months, minimize your skin issues with the following readiness tips:
- Monitor pollen levels and stay indoors on high pollen days.
- Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if possible.
- Shower and change clothes after outdoor and pollen exposure.
- Start over-the-counter antihistamines early, before symptoms begin.
- Wear a mask.
- Consult a physician for personalized strategies and support.
Summer Skin Protection
Keep your skin summer-safe with these tips:
- Wear UV-protective clothing.
- Always wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and oil-free sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply as directed on the bottle.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours.
- Stay hydrated.
- Take shorter, cooler showers or baths.
- Apply moisturizer after bathing.
When To See a Dermatologist
Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention
If you or a loved one has a rash or other concerning skin issues accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms, see a dermatologist for treatment right away:
- Fever.
- Blisters.
- Open sores.
- Rapid spread.
- Signs of infection.
- Worsening despite at-home treatments.
What To Expect at Your Appointment
Here’s what you can expect at a dermatology appointment for a seasonal skin rash:
- Comprehensive medical history, skin history, and rash details.
- Full body exam using a dermatoscope (magnifying device).
- Visual diagnosis.
- Diagnostic testing, if needed.
- Treatment plan.
Diagnostic Approaches for Seasonal Rashes
To diagnose seasonal rashes, your dermatologist may use one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
- Skin prick or patch test to check for immediate allergic reactions to irritants and substances.
- Blood test to identify specific allergens.
- Skin biopsy to identify the root cause of your rash or skin condition.
- Skin culture to identify the bacteria, fungi, or viruses that may be causing your rash.