Can you use an air conditioner if you have eczema?
Nov 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, whether patients with eczema can use air conditioning depends on the specific stage of their condition and environmental factors. If discomfort or worsening symptoms occur, medical advice should be sought promptly. For patients with moderate to severe eczema, cold compress therapy is recommended alongside air conditioning use, under a doctor's guidance, to counteract the drying side effects.
In general, whether patients with eczema can use air conditioning depends on the specific stage of their condition and environmental factors. If discomfort occurs or symptoms worsen, medical advice should be sought promptly. The details are as follows:
When eczema is in a stable phase—without obvious redness, swelling, or oozing, and only occasional mild dryness—using air conditioning is acceptable. Set the temperature to 24–26°C, use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%, and avoid directing airflow straight onto the skin. This creates a comfortable environment, reduces heat-related discomfort, and does not increase the burden on the skin.
During an acute flare-up of eczema, when the skin shows significant redness, swelling, itching, oozing, or breaks, using air conditioning is not recommended. Air conditioning reduces indoor humidity, accelerating skin moisture loss and worsening dryness and itching. Cold air blowing directly on damaged skin may also cause irritation or even infection, intensifying inflammatory responses and hindering recovery.
For patients with moderate to severe eczema who need to use air conditioning, cold compress therapy may be considered under a doctor’s guidance to help counteract the drying effects.
