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Eczema and Dry Skin in the UAE: Air Conditioning, Heat and Care Tips
Itchy, dry, cracked skin is common in air-conditioned homes and offices. Learn how to manage eczema with emollients, avoid triggers and know when to see a doctor.
Quick answer
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin that flares from time to time. Dry air-conditioned air, heat, sweat, harsh soaps and dust can trigger flares. Daily use of a fragrance-free moisturiser (emollient), lukewarm showers and gentle soap substitutes are the foundation of care, with steroid creams for flares as advised by a doctor. See a GP if skin is weeping, crusted or very painful.
Eczema is common in children and adults. In the UAE, the contrast between hot, humid outdoor air and cold, dry air-conditioned indoor air can make skin very dry.
Symptoms
- Dry, rough or scaly skin
- Intense itching, often worse at night
- Red or darker patches (on darker skin, eczema may look brown, purple or grey)
- Cracked or thickened skin from scratching
- Common in skin creases: inside elbows, behind knees, neck and face
Common triggers
- Dry air from air conditioning
- Heat and sweat
- Soaps, bubble baths and fragranced products
- Dust, dust mites and pet dander
- Woollen or synthetic fabrics
- Stress
Daily skin care
- Moisturise at least twice a day with a fragrance-free emollient, and straight after bathing.
- Take short, lukewarm showers, not hot ones.
- Use a soap substitute instead of regular soap.
- Pat skin dry, don't rub.
- Wear soft cotton clothing.
- Keep nails short to reduce damage from scratching.
Treating flares
Your GP may prescribe a steroid cream or ointment for flares. Used as directed, for short periods, these are safe and effective. Antihistamines may help sleep if itching keeps you awake.
When to see a doctor
- Eczema is not controlled with moisturisers
- Skin is weeping, crusted, hot or painful, which can mean infection
- Painful clustered blisters appear, which can be a herpes infection and needs urgent care
- Eczema affects sleep, work or school
Frequently asked questions
Is eczema contagious?
No. You cannot catch eczema from someone else.
Will my child grow out of eczema?
Many children's eczema improves as they get older, but some continue to have dry, sensitive skin.
