Yes, climate and seasonal changes are among the most common triggers for eczema flare-ups in babies, children and adults. In Australia, where eczema affects approximately 1 in 3 children, knowing how each season impacts sensitive skin is one of the most practical things a parent can know.
Eczema-prone skin reacts to anything that dries it out, causes sweating, or introduces allergens so every season brings its own set of challenges. The good news is that with the right routine, flare-ups can be managed throughout the year.
Here's what to expect - and what to do - season by season.
Winter is the season that requires the most attention for eczema-prone skin
Cold, dry air strips moisture from the skin's barrier, triggering the same drying effect as summer heat. Add in central heating (which further dries indoor air), layered clothing that traps sweat, and the rapid shift between cold outside and warm inside, and it's easy to see why flare-ups are so common between June and August.
How to protect your child's skin in winter:
- Apply an emollient cream morning and night. Consistency is key during colder months. Mustela's Stelatopia+ Lipid-replenishing Cream is formulated for eczema-prone skin from birth.
- Layer soft fabrics: choose loose cotton layers your child can remove when they go indoors, to avoid overheating and sweating.
- Keep indoor air moist: a humidifier in your child's bedroom can help offset the drying effect of heating.
- Bathe in lukewarm (not hot) water, and apply emollient within three minutes of getting out, while skin is still slightly damp.
Spring: Welcome warmth, and unwanted pollen
Spring brings milder temperatures, which gives eczema-prone skin a break from winter's drying cold. But it also marks the start of pollen season - one of the most common external triggers for eczema flare-ups.
In Australia, grass pollen season typically runs from October through December, with peak levels in spring. For eczema-prone skin, airborne allergens can provoke an immune response that shows up as redness, itching, and inflamed patches.
Managing eczema-prone skin in spring:
- Limit time outdoors on high-pollen days, check the pollen forecast and reduce garden play when levels are high.
- Dry clothes indoors: hanging laundry outside during pollen season means clothing collects allergens that then sit against your child's skin.
- Cover up with soft, breathable fabrics: long sleeves and trousers in lightweight cotton create a physical barrier between skin and irritants.
- Rinse skin and hair after outdoor play: removing pollen residue promptly reduces the time allergens are in contact with the skin.
Summer: UV Benefits, Heat Risks
Summer has a complex relationship with eczema-prone skin. Moderate UV exposure can have anti-inflammatory benefits, and many families notice fewer flare-ups during sunny holidays. However, Australia's summer UV is among the harshest in the world, and the risks of heat, sweat, and sunburn require careful management.
Protecting eczema-prone skin in the Australian summer:
- Apply a 50+ SPF, fragrance-free sunscreen formulated for eczema-prone or sensitive skin, look for mineral filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) which are gentler on reactive skin.
- Avoid outdoor activity between 10am and 3pm: UV intensity peaks during these hours across most of Australia.
- Manage sweat: heat and sweat are major eczema triggers. Choose loose-fitting, light-coloured cotton clothing and schedule active play for cooler morning hours.
- Rinse after swimming: chlorine and salt water can both irritate eczema-prone skin. Rinse your child with fresh water immediately after the pool or beach, then apply their emollient.
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Continue the emollient routine: sun and warmth don't mean you can skip it. Apply your emollient cream morning and night, adjusting to a lighter formulation if needed.
Autumn: the easiest season (But don't drop the routine)
Autumn is generally the most settled season for eczema-prone skin. Temperatures are mild, pollen has eased, and the intense heat of summer has passed. For many families, this is when flare-ups are least frequent.
That said, autumn is the ideal time to reinforce the daily emollient routine before winter arrives. Think of it as building your child's skin reserve - consistent moisturisation during the quieter months helps strengthen the skin barrier ahead of colder, drier weather.
Autumn skin care tips:
- Keep the emollient routine going, even without active flare-ups, daily application helps prevent the skin barrier from deteriorating as the weather cools.
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Watch for early signs: notice if your child's skin becomes rougher or itchier as temperatures drop in late March and April, and increase emollient frequency accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does winter make eczema worse?
Yes. Cold, dry air strips moisture from the skin's barrier, and indoor heating further dries the air. This combination is one of the most common triggers for eczema flare-ups in babies and young children during the Australian winter (June–August). Consistent use of an emollient cream is the most effective way to protect the skin during this period.
What season is worst for eczema in Australia?
Winter and spring are typically the most challenging seasons for eczema-prone skin in Australia. Winter brings cold, dry air and heating-related skin dryness, while spring introduces pollen — a common allergen trigger. Summer can offer some UV benefits but requires careful management of heat, sweat, and sun exposure.
Can weather trigger eczema flare-ups?
Yes. Temperature extremes, humidity levels, wind, and seasonal allergens like pollen can all trigger eczema flare-ups. Eczema-prone skin is reactive to anything that disrupts the skin barrier — including heat that causes sweating, cold that causes dryness, and allergens that provoke an immune response.
Is eczema worse in summer or winter for children?
It varies by child, but winter tends to be more consistently difficult because dry, cold air and heated indoor environments both deplete skin moisture. Summer can actually benefit some children through moderate UV exposure, but sweat and heat are significant triggers for others. Keeping an emollient routine year-round is the most reliable way to reduce flare-up frequency regardless of season.
How do I protect my baby's eczema-prone skin in winter?
Apply an emollient cream twice daily (morning and night), use a humidifier in the bedroom, dress your baby in soft cotton layers they can remove when indoors, bathe in lukewarm water, and apply moisturiser within three minutes of bathing. Avoid synthetic fabrics and wool directly against the skin.
Does pollen trigger eczema?
Yes, pollen is a known external trigger for eczema flare-ups. In Australia, grass pollen season runs from October to December. For children with atopic skin, airborne pollen can provoke an immune response that presents as redness, itching, and inflamed patches. Limiting outdoor exposure on high-pollen days and rinsing skin after outdoor play can help reduce reactions.
