Why I Avoid Hugs, Handshakes & Heat

If you’ve ever flinched when someone leans in for a hug or felt your heart race before a handshake, you’re not alone. For people with eczema and body odor anxiety, these simple gestures can feel like high-stakes events. Add in the heat, which can instantly trigger flare-ups, and everyday social moments can become a minefield. I know this because I live it.

When Touch Feels Like a Threat

Hugs and handshakes are supposed to be warm and welcoming. But when you have eczema, they can be uncomfortable or even painful. I’ve spent years avoiding hugs with eczema because every touch feels like it might cause a flare-up or reveal my skin struggles. If my arms are red and inflamed, I don’t want anyone seeing or feeling that.

With handshake anxiety disorder, the fear isn’t just about skin. It’s also about sweating. My palms often feel clammy, especially during social situations. That’s part of my body’s stress response. But when you add eczema and social anxiety to the mix, it becomes overwhelming. I worry people will notice the roughness of my skin, or worse, pull away.

It may seem small to others, but for me, these moments are full of fear and second-guessing. I often keep my arms crossed or hold something just to avoid contact. It’s not that I don’t want connection. I just don’t want to feel ashamed of my skin.

Body Odor Anxiety Is Real

Let’s talk about something no one wants to admit: body odor. For people with eczema and body odor anxiety, even light sweating can feel terrifying. Eczema makes your skin more sensitive, which means you have to be very careful about what you put on it. Most traditional deodorants are too harsh. They sting, burn, or make the skin react. That leaves us with few options and a lot of worry.

I used to dread summer parties, tight hugs, or even sitting too close to someone. Not because I didn’t like people, but because I was afraid they might notice an odor. That kind of fear sticks with you. It changes how you move, talk, and show up in the world.

Finding a deodorant for eczema sufferers changed everything for me. I needed something that worked with my skin, not against it. Something that helped with odor but didn’t cause a flare-up. That’s where gentle, magnesium-based options like MAGS Skin come in. They neutralize odor without disrupting your skin’s balance. No sting, no stress.

Heat Triggers Eczema, and So Does Stress

Hot weather is one of the biggest triggers for eczema. It makes you sweat more, which can irritate your skin. It also increases your body’s stress load, especially if you’re already dealing with social stress and skin conditions.

When it’s hot, my skin gets itchy faster. Patches appear on my neck, behind my knees, or around my elbows. And when I know I’m going to be in a social setting like a wedding or a crowded train I feel the anxiety creeping in. I start thinking about sweat marks, smells, or whether someone will try to hug me.

This cycle of heat, sweat, and stress makes it really hard to enjoy summer. But over time, I’ve learned some ways to manage it:

• Wear breathable fabrics: Cotton and bamboo are gentle on skin and let it breathe.
• Stay cool: Use handheld fans or cooling cloths when you’re out and about.
• Keep skin hydrated: Moisturize often, especially after sweating.
• Use skin-friendly deodorant: Look for products made for sensitive skin and sweating.

Managing eczema in hot weather takes planning, but it’s possible. The key is to stay ahead of your triggers.

Why I Avoid Physical Contact

So, why do I avoid hugs, handshakes, and heat? Because they’re all connected to how I feel in my skin. When my eczema is flaring, I feel exposed. When I’m worried about odor, I feel ashamed. And when I’m hot, itchy, and anxious, my whole body is on edge.

Living with eczema and social anxiety means you’re constantly aware of your body. You think about what others might see, smell, or feel. It’s exhausting. But it’s also something you can work through with the right tools and support.

What Helps Me Feel More Comfortable

The first step is finding products that don’t make things worse. For me, that meant switching to a deodorant for eczema sufferers. I needed something that didn’t contain baking soda, alcohol, or synthetic fragrances. I found that magnesium-based formulas, like those from MAGS Skin, stopped odor without irritating my skin.

Other things that help:

• Setting boundaries: It’s okay to say no to hugs or handshakes. You’re allowed to protect your skin.
• Communicating openly: Letting close friends know what’s going on can relieve pressure.
• Wearing confidence: Clothes, scents, and habits that make you feel good matter.

It’s not about avoiding life. It’s about living it in a way that supports your skin and your mental health.

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve ever hidden your arms during a meeting or skipped a hug because your skin was flaring, I see you. If you’ve ever worried about sweating through your shirt or smelling “off” in a crowd, I’ve been there. This isn’t about vanity. It’s about comfort, safety, and self-respect.

Living with eczema and body odor challenges can feel lonely. But the truth is, many people are managing the same things. The more we talk about it, the more we normalize skin differences and emotional needs.

Quick Takeaways

• Hugs and handshakes can be stressful if you have eczema or body odor anxiety.
• Heat triggers eczema and can increase sweating, itchiness, and discomfort.
• Social stress affects your skin and can make flare-ups worse.
• Deodorant for eczema sufferers should be gentle, effective, and non-irritating.
• You’re allowed to protect your boundaries when it comes to touch and social contact.

Final Thoughts

Living with eczema means managing more than just your skin. It means navigating emotional discomfort, social stress, and physical triggers like heat and sweat. Whether it’s avoiding hugs, skipping handshakes, or dreading summer events, these choices are about self-preservation not antisocial behavior.

With the right routines and products, you can feel good in your skin again. Brands like MAGS Skin offer solutions that respect your skin’s needs and support your confidence. You deserve to feel fresh, comfortable, and free to connect on your terms.