Recent bouts of heavy rainfall and extreme temperatures across Australia have caused significant disruption, particularly along the east coast. Beyond the obvious chaos, these volatile conditions are now being linked to serious health repercussions, specifically for skin health.
A Personal Crisis Triggered by the Climate
Lindsey, a Sydney-based makeup artist and mother-of-six, has revealed to the Daily Mail how similar January weather previously sparked a severe allergic reaction that led to her hospitalisation. What began as a mild skin irritation rapidly escalated into a debilitating case of severe eczema, demanding emergency medical care.
She described the weather at the time as being "all over the place," swinging from intense heat one day to high humidity and then sudden cooling. "My skin just couldn't keep up. Every temperature change seemed to trigger a flare," Lindsey recalled. The situation deteriorated so quickly that she went from preparing for Australia Day to being admitted to hospital, with her skin feeling like it was "on fire" and "dissolving."
The rapid weather changes caused her eczema to "escalate really quickly," she explained. Symptoms progressed from tightness and redness to intense itching, burning, and painful inflammation almost overnight. The condition severely impacted her quality of life, affecting her sleep, mobility, and confidence.
Expert Warning on a Growing Problem
Dermatologist Professor Deshan Sebaratnam from The Skin Hospital confirms that extreme weather shifts from rain to scorching heat and humidity can act as a potent trigger for allergic skin reactions like eczema. Professor Sebaratnam, who personally manages eczema, emphasises that it is a serious and often underestimated condition.
"Not being able to control eczema's itch, pain, sleep disturbance, cost, and increased risk of infection can impact the whole family, work and careers," he stated. This warning comes amid a notable rise in allergic diseases across Australia. Recent data indicates that 30 per cent of Australians now have an 'allergic disease', a significant increase from 20 per cent in 2007, with eczema being one of the most common.
This surge has directly increased demand for specialist skincare. Melody Livingstone, CEO of the brand MooGoo, reported a 50 per cent increase in demand for eczema-calming products, noting that "eczema can be really debilitating, with thousands looking for relief."
Managing Skin Health in Unstable Conditions
For Lindsey, the crisis was ultimately brought under control in hospital with a strong dose of steroids. During her recovery, she found relief using MooGoo's Pink Eczema Cream, which she described as a "saviour" for its cooling and gentle properties.
Professor Sebaratnam advises anyone suffering from severe eczema to seek professional medical help from a GP or dermatologist and to avoid self-diagnosis online. He recommends adopting a formal eczema management plan to keep sensitive skin calm and minimise flare-ups. Key management strategies include:
- Routine essentials: Maintaining a consistent skincare routine with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and regular moisturising.
- Identify triggers: Pinpointing personal triggers, whether environmental, dietary, or material-based.
- Professional guidance: Working with a healthcare professional to explore appropriate treatments, from topical creams to prescription medications.
- Lifestyle factors: Managing stress, sleep, and environmental controls to support skin health.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, understanding and proactively managing their impact on health, particularly for conditions like eczema, is becoming increasingly crucial.
