Key takeaways

  • Gardening can trigger eczema flares due to factors like sweat, pollen, certain fabrics, sun exposure, and chemicals, but these can often be managed with preventive measures.
  • To protect your skin while gardening, cover up with appropriate clothing and gloves, use sunscreen and bug spray, and consider organic alternatives to harsh chemicals.
  • After gardening, it’s important to clean any cuts or scrapes promptly, wash away irritants from your skin, and apply moisturizer to help prevent eczema flare-ups.

For many people, gardening is a labor of love. It can be a meditative experience, a workout, a creative endeavor, and much more.

Despite its emotional and physical benefits, gardening can also present challenges for people with eczema. Sun exposure, sweat, and friction can all irritate the skin, potentially causing an eczema flare.

But with some simple precautions, you can protect your skin and help reduce flare-ups, so you can enjoy your time in nature without the burden of eczema symptoms.

Eczema triggers vary from person to person. A factor that aggravates one person’s skin may have little effect on another.

The following are some potential eczema triggers you may encounter while gardening.

Sweat

Gardening is a form of relaxation and meditation, but it’s also a physical activity.

It’s easy to work up a sweat while gardening, and sweating can worsen the itching associated with eczema.

Pollen

Pollen is a known eczema trigger for many people. Trees and plants release this fine powder as part of their reproduction process, and it’s carried by the wind down to the ground.

In some areas, springtime is synonymous with pollen, as its yellow film seems to cover everything. But different types of flora release pollen at different times of the year.

Gardening gloves

Gardening gloves are a crucial form of skin protection when working outdoors, but they can also cause irritation.

Gloves that are too tight, lack breathability, or contain scratchy seams may be particularly irritating. This also applies to those made with synthetic materials, such as rubber or plastic, as well as those dyed with chemicals.

But even gloves made with natural materials, such as cotton, may trigger eczema symptoms if worn long enough.

Sun exposure

For some people, sun exposure can help relieve symptoms of eczema, while for others, it may be a trigger.

Beyond initiating a trigger, too much sun can cause sunburn, which is a real concern for someone spending hours hunched over in the garden.

Chemicals

In addition to connecting you with plant life, gardening can also expose you to chemicals. Take a trip down the garden supplies aisle in your local hardware store, and you’ll see all types of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and other products geared toward taming the outdoors.

If you have eczema, keep in mind that certain chemicals in these products may trigger your symptoms or irritate your skin.

There are many actions you can take before gardening to protect your skin from potential triggers.

The first thing to consider is covering your skin — think hats, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and footwear. Doing so will limit your contact with plants, pollen, mold, sunlight, and other potential allergens.

Make sure to pick clothing that fits comfortably and breathes in the heat (if you’ll be working on a hot day).

Use sunscreen to protect exposed skin and apply bug spray to your clothing if pests abound. Opt for a fragrance-free option and be prepared to do some trial and error to find products that work for you.

If you’re sensitive to gardening chemicals, consider going organic. But if you need to use pesticides or other chemicals, look for less-toxic alternatives.

The National Eczema Association recommends using nitrile gloves with natural liners when working with chemicals, like herbicides.

If you’ve prepped in advance, you’ll be well-positioned to avoid triggers in the garden. But there are a few things to keep in mind as you’re working that can help keep your skin feeling good.

Listen to your body and adapt

Your body will give you feedback while you’re in the garden, and it’s important to listen.

If you’re sweating excessively, shed a layer or change into a more lightweight option.

If your skin is inflamed, avoid doing activities that will exacerbate your symptoms. For example, if the backs of your knees are irritated, avoid weeding or other activities that require kneeling.

Clean cuts and scrapes

Gardening can be a rough business, and it’s not uncommon to get a little scraped up. If you do break the skin, don’t wait until you’re finished to clean it up.

Promptly wash the area with soap and water, dry it, and apply an appropriate bandage. You may also consider applying an ointment. Ensure the area remains clean throughout your work.

If that’s not possible given the location of the wound, it may be a sign to wrap up for the day.

Manage sun exposure

People with eczema react differently to the sun; some find that it helps their symptoms, while others find that it triggers them.

If you’re in the former camp, keep in mind that more isn’t always better. Be sure to avoid excessive exposure to the sun, which could lead to sunburn.

Be sure to reapply sunscreen routinely.

When you’re done gardening, a little self-care can help prevent future flare-ups.

Take a shower or a bath to wash away any irritants remaining on your skin.

Make sure to wash your hands and apply your favorite moisturizer (if you have one). This can be particularly nice if you’ve been wearing gardening gloves.

Throw your gardening clothes and gloves into the laundry basket and machine wash them.

The National Eczema Society explains that preparation is key when managing an eczema flare. Understand your personal treatment plan and have all the supplies you need on hand, including prescription medications.

If your skin gets irritated while gardening, it’s time to put that plan into action. Apply the necessary emollients and take any medications you’re prescribed, such as topical steroids.

It can also be useful to reflect on which specific factors may have contributed to the flare. Doing so can help you prevent a recurrence next time you’re in the garden.

Speak with your doctor ahead of time and discuss when it’s necessary to seek medical assistance for a flare-up. Be aware of the signs of infection, including eczema that’s painful, oozing, or crusty.

Gardening doesn’t have to be off-limits for people with eczema. Taking some basic precautions can help you protect your skin from triggers in the wild.

Wearing soft, breathable, comfortable layers that protect you from the sun and contact with plants, bugs, pollen, and chemicals is essential for any gardener with eczema.

Listening to your body, treating scrapes and cuts, and cleaning up afterward are other important practices for gardeners.