PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – For people with sensitive skin like eczema or psoriasis, heat and humidity can make symptoms worse. Health professionals note that certain clothing and materials can further irritate the skin.
If the summer sun and heat are making your skin glow, your wardrobe might be in need of an update.
"The choice of materials and styles is very important, especially if we have sensitive skin or suffer from chronic rashes," says Dr. Cara Vada, allergist and immunologist.
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Doctors say that in the heat and humidity of summer, it is better to wear flat and loose clothing.
"Choosing a breathable cotton or linen material, as well as a lighter color, will help reflect some of that heat so our skin can breathe and stay cooler," says Dr. Wada.
He said the skin can be very irritated with sweat, causing inflammation.
"Inflammation in our skin is what makes it more porous. This increases itching and is the main cause of our sensitive skin and eczema that we can treat in the summer," said Dr. Wada.
He recommends avoiding synthetic fabrics that trap heat and sweat, such as;
"A lighter material will be more comfortable," Dr. Wada said. "They'll allow better air circulation and help dry out our skin in areas that are a little humid."
Dr. Wada recommends locking in moisture with fragrance-free lotions, adding that even oily skin can feel dry in the summer.
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The doctor said that protecting the skin from the sun is also important. Sensitive people who have problems with chemical sunscreens can choose a broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen.