Aug
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Summer is supposed to be the season of carefree skin. But if you have eczema, those sunny days can feel like a setup. You’re sweating, itching, and trying to avoid triggers while everyone else is basking in the warmth. And it’s not just about being uncomfortable – eczema can spiral fast in the heat, leading to inflammation, broken skin, and sleepless nights. Here’s what really works to keep your skin calm when the temperature climbs.
Why Does Eczema Flare Up in the Summer?
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is complex. It’s partly genetic and partly environmental. Your skin barrier is weaker than average, and it doesn’t hold moisture well. That makes it easier for irritants, allergens, and microbes to get in and stir up trouble. Summer throws a few extra punches:
First, there’s sweat. Even though it’s your body’s natural way of cooling off, sweat contains salt and acids that can sting compromised skin. Then there’s heat itself, which causes blood vessels to dilate, worsening inflammation and itch. Add in sun exposure, chlorine from the pool, and increased time outdoors (aka exposure to pollen, mold, or pollution), and you’ve got a perfect storm.
How Can You Keep Eczema Under Control During the Summer?
The key is prevention, paired with quick response. That means keeping the skin barrier healthy, avoiding common seasonal triggers, and adjusting your usual routine to deal with sweat, heat, and environmental changes.
Can I Still Go Outside?
Yes – but you’ll need a strategy. Go out early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. Avoid direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV exposure is strongest. If you’re exercising, pick shaded areas and wear loose, breathable clothing that wicks moisture. Look for bamboo, cotton, or lightweight TENCEL blends instead of synthetic fabrics.
Most importantly, shower and moisturize as soon as you get home. Letting sweat sit on your skin is a fast-track to a flare.
What Skincare Swaps Help in Hot Weather?
Eczema-prone skin tends to hate extremes, and summer is full of them. Your skin might swing between being slick with sweat to dry and itchy after sun or chlorine exposure. Here’s how to adjust:
Use a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer that still locks in hydration. You might need to moisturize more often, even if your skin doesn’t feel dry. Water-based gel creams or milky emulsions with ceramides, squalane, or hyaluronic acid work well. Brands like Vanicream, Eucerin, or La Roche-Posay offer eczema-safe formulas.
Cleanse gently. If you’re showering more than once a day (which you might be, thanks to sweat), avoid over-cleansing. Stick to short, lukewarm showers and use non-soap cleansers with minimal surfactants. Avoid foaming products, which often strip the skin.
Top off your routine with an occlusive layer at night if you’ve been out in the sun. Something like petroleum jelly or a balm with shea butter can help seal in moisture and repair your barrier while you sleep.
Is Sunscreen Safe for Eczema?
You absolutely need sunscreen if you’re going outside. But many sunscreens are loaded with alcohols, fragrances, and chemical filters that can sting or irritate eczema-prone skin.
Stick with mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin instead of sinking in and are less likely to cause a reaction. Look for sensitive-skin labels and patch-test new products on a small area (like your inner arm) before applying them all over. Some eczema-friendly options include:
- Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
- Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Face Mineral Sunscreen
- Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
Reapply every two hours, and don’t forget your neck, ears, and hands. If you’re using prescription creams, ask your dermatologist if any ingredients make your skin more sun sensitive.
What About the Pool or Ocean?
Swimming can actually help some people with eczema, but it depends on your skin’s baseline. Chlorine can act as a mild disinfectant and reduce bacteria on the skin, but for others, it’s an irritant.
Before swimming, apply a thin layer of barrier cream or petroleum jelly to protect vulnerable spots like elbows, knees, or behind the ears. Shower immediately afterward to rinse off salt or chlorine and moisturize while your skin is still slightly damp.
If public pools leave you red and itchy, try saltwater swimming instead – or talk to your dermatologist about bleach baths at home, which use a controlled dilution of bleach to mimic chlorine’s bacteria-fighting effect.
Can Diet or Supplements Help in the Summer?
What you eat won’t cure eczema, but it may make flares less severe. Summer diets often shift toward fresh produce and lighter meals, which can be helpful. Hydrating fruits like watermelon and cucumber can help your skin from the inside out. Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts may help reduce inflammation.
Some people with eczema also react to high-histamine foods like tomatoes, citrus, or fermented items in summer. If you notice patterns, try keeping a food and flare diary.
As for supplements, fish oil or evening primrose oil might help some people with chronic eczema, but the science is mixed. Always check with a doctor before starting anything new.
How Do You Handle Nighttime Flares?
Hot summer nights can be brutal if your eczema is acting up. Heat and sweat build up under the sheets, leading to itching that can ruin your sleep. A few tips:
Keep your bedroom cool – around 65°F to 68°F is ideal. Use a fan to circulate air and choose lightweight, breathable bedding. Cotton or linen sheets are better than polyester.
Moisturize at night with something more occlusive and consider wearing eczema-friendly sleepwear (like those from brands such as Cottonique or Soothems). For intense spots, wrap them with damp cloth followed by dry cotton to create a “wet wrap” effect – this boosts absorption and calms inflammation.
And resist scratching. If it’s unbearable, use a cold compress or take an antihistamine approved by your doctor.
What Should You Avoid?
- Fragranced products – body sprays, lotions, and soaps may feel “summery,” but the artificial fragrance is a top trigger for eczema.
- Insect repellents with DEET – these can sting. Try natural alternatives or wear lightweight clothing to prevent bites instead.
- Overheating – whether from exercise, hot tubs, or stuffy indoor spaces, overheating is a major eczema aggravator.
- Long baths or hot showers – tempting after a beach day, but these dry out skin fast. Stick to quick, cool rinses.
Are There Products That Work Especially Well in Summer?
Here are a few tried-and-true favorites for summer eczema care:
Moisturizers
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a fragrance-free base
- Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream – with colloidal oatmeal and licochalcone
Cleansers
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet AP+
Spot Treatments
- Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm
- Balmonds Skin Salvation (a thick balm great for dry patches)
Barrier Protectors
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Vaseline Advanced Repair
Clothing
- Bamboo cotton underwear and loungewear from brands like Boody or Soothems
Always read the label. Just because something says “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for eczema.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
If your flares aren’t responding to over-the-counter care, or you’re dealing with cracked, oozing, or infected skin, it’s time to get help. Summer often leads to staph infections in eczema-prone skin, especially if scratching breaks the barrier.
A dermatologist can prescribe stronger topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or in some cases, newer biologic treatments like dupilumab. And they can help you create a personalized summer care plan, especially if you’re juggling other allergies or asthma.
FAQs
Can sun exposure help eczema?
Sometimes. Small amounts of UV can reduce inflammation, which is why phototherapy is a medical option. But unprotected sun exposure can quickly backfire by damaging your skin and causing dehydration. Use caution and always wear sunscreen.
What’s the best way to stop itching fast in the summer?
Use a cold compress, keep nails short, apply an anti-itch cream with pramoxine or colloidal oatmeal, and stay cool. Avoid scratching – it only makes the inflammation worse.
Is air conditioning good or bad for eczema?
Mixed bag. AC keeps you cool (good) but dries the air (bad). Use a humidifier indoors to offset the dryness and keep skin hydrated.
Should I avoid outdoor activities altogether?
No, but pick your timing and prepare your skin. Go out early or late, stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, and wash up right after.
Are natural remedies like aloe vera or coconut oil safe?
Aloe vera can be soothing for some, but others may react. Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory and moisturizing, but it can clog pores for some people. Always patch-test first.
