Quick answer: Yes, climate and the seasons affect eczema. Changes in climate are a common trigger for flares.¹ In winter, cold air and heaters dry the skin. In spring, grass pollen can trigger flares in children who are sensitised to it. In summer, heat and sweat make itching worse.² Autumn is usually the calmest season. Keep up daily moisturising all year round, and adjust your child's routine as the seasons change.
Why does the weather affect eczema?
Eczema affects about 30% of Australian children, according to Perth Children's Hospital.³ In eczema, the skin doesn't hold on to moisture well, leaving it more open to irritants and allergens.⁴ So anything that dries, overheats or irritates the skin can tip it into a flare, and there's usually no single trigger.⁴
Each season brings its own challenges:
- Cold, wind and heating dry the skin.
- Heat and sweat make eczema itchier.
- Pollen can trigger flares in sensitised children.
- Humidity encourages dust mites.
Eczema through the seasons at a glance
| Season | Main challenges | Key actions |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (June–August) | Cold, dry air; heaters; sweating under warm layers | Moisturise morning and night; soft cotton layers; keep heating moderate |
| Spring (September–November) | Grass pollen; warmer days | Dry clothes inside during pollen season; rinse skin after outdoor play |
| Summer (December–February) | Heat, sweat, UV and swimming | Light clothing; sun protection; rinse and moisturise after swimming |
| Autumn (March–May) | Usually the calmest season | Keep the routine going; watch for dryness as heaters come on |
Winter: the season that needs the most care
Cold air dries the skin as much as heat does. Add indoor heating, wind on exposed skin, and sweating under beanies, scarves and jumpers, and it's easy to see why flares are common between June and August.
How to protect your child's skin in winter:
- Moisturise morning and night, and more often if the skin feels dry.² Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream is formulated for eczema-prone skin from birth.
- Moisturise straight after the bath, within three minutes, while the skin is still damp.⁵ Keep baths lukewarm, not hot.
- Protect the face and hands from cold and wind with a thicker layer of cream before going outside. Stelatopia Emollient Face Cream is designed for eczema-prone facial skin.
- Layer soft cotton that's easy to remove indoors, and keep wool away from the skin.
- Keep heating moderate. Overheating and over-wrapping can make eczema itch worse.² Air the house regularly, and use a humidifier only with care, as dust mites thrive in humid homes.⁶
Spring: milder weather, but pollen season
Spring gives the skin a break from winter dryness, but it also brings pollen. In Australia and New Zealand, grass pollen counts are usually highest between late September and December.⁶ For children who are sensitised to pollen, this can trigger flares.
Managing eczema-prone skin in spring:
- Dry clothes and bedding inside during pollen season. ASCIA recommends this for sensitised children.⁶
- Limit outdoor play on high-pollen days, and check your local pollen forecast.
- Choose long sleeves and pants in light cotton when playing on grass.
- Rinse your child's skin and hair after outdoor play, then moisturise.
Summer: heat, sweat and sun
Heat and sweat are the main summer triggers. Eczema affects how well the skin controls body temperature, so children with eczema often feel hot, and heat can make their skin itchy.⁷ Some children's eczema improves in summer, but sun exposure isn't a treatment, and Australia's UV levels are high.
Protecting eczema-prone skin in summer:
- Keep cool: dress your child in light, loose cotton, and plan active play for cooler parts of the day.
- Protect from the sun whenever the UV Index is 3 or above, using clothing, a hat, shade and sunglasses.⁸ Keep babies under 12 months out of direct sun at these times.⁸
- Sunscreen: widespread use isn't generally recommended for babies under six months.⁸ For older children, choose a fragrance-free SPF 50+ sunscreen, and patch test it first.
- After swimming: rinse off chlorine or salt water with fresh water, then moisturise.⁷
- Keep moisturising, using a lighter amount if the skin feels warm.
For more tips, read our guide to eczema, sport and holidays.
Autumn: usually the calmest season
With milder temperatures, less pollen and the summer heat behind you, autumn is often the easiest season for eczema-prone skin. It's a good time to keep the daily routine going, so the skin is in good shape before winter.
- Keep moisturising daily, even without a flare.
- Watch for early signs, such as rougher or itchier skin as temperatures drop and heaters come on, and moisturise more often if needed.
Eczema in northern Australia and humid climates
In tropical and subtropical areas, such as northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and the north of Western Australia, the seasons look different. Heat and sweat can trigger flares for much of the year,⁷ and the humid wet season encourages dust mites.⁶
- Dress your child in light, breathable cotton, and keep sleeping areas cool and well ventilated.
- Shower or rinse your child after sweaty play, then moisturise.
- Air conditioning can help with heat, but very cool, dry air can dry the skin, so keep moisturising.
When should you see a doctor?
See your GP if your child's eczema flares each season despite a good routine, if itching is disrupting their sleep, or if the skin looks infected (very red, weepy, or crusted with yellow scabs). Your doctor can help you plan ahead for difficult seasons.
Frequently asked questions about eczema and the seasons
What season is worst for eczema in Australia?
It varies from child to child. For many families, winter is the most challenging season, because of cold, dry air and indoor heating. Spring can be difficult for children sensitised to pollen, and summer heat and sweat trigger itching in others. In northern Australia, humid heat is often the main trigger year-round.
Does winter make eczema worse?
Often, yes. Cold, dry air and indoor heating dry the skin, and sweating under warm layers can trigger itching. Moisturising morning and night, and straight after the bath, helps protect the skin.
Does pollen trigger eczema?
It can, in children who are sensitised to pollen. Grass pollen counts are usually highest between late September and December in Australia.⁶ Drying clothes inside and rinsing skin after outdoor play can help.
Should I use a humidifier for my child's eczema?
Use one with care. Heating can dry indoor air, but dust mites thrive in humid homes.⁶ If you use a humidifier, keep humidity moderate and clean the unit regularly. For more, read our guide to reducing eczema triggers at home.
References
- Mustela Australia. Study on Atopic Dermatitis in infants, children and adults.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Caring for your child's eczema.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Eczema – A guide for health professionals.
- ASCIA. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – Fast Facts.
- Cardona ID, Stillman L, Jain N (2016). Does bathing frequency matter in pediatric atopic dermatitis? Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 117(1): 9–13.
- ASCIA. Allergen Minimisation – Frequently Asked Questions (2024).
- KidsHealth NZ (with Starship Children's Hospital). Eczema – caring for your child's skin.
- Cancer Council Australia. Sun protection and babies.
This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, paediatrician or dermatologist about your child's skin.
