Here’s How to Care for Your Eczema in the Summer Heat

First, take a close look at your skin-care products.

By Mara SantilliMedically reviewed by Shari Marchbein, MD

August 3, 2022

illustration of woman stretching in the sun wearing a white swimsuit

In theory, summer days are supposed to be spent basking in the sun (with SPF, obviously), taking a nap, having a barbecue, and hitting the beach—not itching, sweating, and itching some more. But the latter is probably your reality if you experience severe eczema symptoms in the summertime.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an umbrella term used to describe a group of chronic skin disorders that cause recurring itchy rashes that affect people of all ages, skin types, genders, and ethnicities, Monique Chheda, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MedStar Health, tells SELF. And it’s quite common: Approximately 31 million people in the U.S. have eczema, according to the National Eczema Association.

For some people, the increased moisture in the air and sunlight that come with warmer weather can bring relief to eczema symptoms, as opposed to the biting winter air that tends to dry out skin and trigger flare-ups. But for other people, too much sun, heat, humidity, and sweat, as well as seasonal allergens like pollen, can aggravate eczema, Dr. Chheda says. Say hello to itching, burning, and pain—not exactly the hallmarks of a relaxing summer vacation.

So, what can you do to reduce flare-ups when the heat hits? You’ll need tons of sunscreen, for one. Then, consider the tips below to keep your eczema symptoms under control this summer.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser each day.

First, make sure your cleanser is gentle enough for your sensitive skin, but effective enough to wash away any sweat the heat and humidity may cause, Carla T. Lee, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, tells SELF. You don’t have to spend tons of money on a cleanser—a drugstore option will do for your morning and night cleanse.

The National Eczema Association recommends a cleanser without fragrance and with a low pH, which better complements the skin’s natural pH. The best way to find something that meets these parameters? Look for “soap-free” and “pH-balanced” and/or the National Eczema Association seal on the packaging, or search the product directory on the association’s website.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

A strong daily moisturizer is an eczema essential, regardless of the season. It can keep your skin barrier healthy and hydrated, Dr. Chheda says. In a body moisturizer, she recommends soothing, healing ingredients like ceramides and colloidal oatmeal.

For your face, Jami Miller, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, suggests opting for a light cream or lotion with an active ingredient like hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws water in to hydrate the skin. Also, avoid skin-care products with fragrances, as they can possibly cause flare-ups for some people with eczema.

Turn to prescription topical steroids.

The top-line treatments to calm itching, inflammation, and redness are topical steroids, which come in different strength levels in the form of a cream, ointment, lotion, or spray. “In the summer, people don’t typically like to use a thick, greasy ointment, and we might change the particular formulation to a lighter cream,” Dr. Chheda says.

When you’re using a topical steroid, it’s typically only meant to be applied once daily for a few weeks or as needed during an eczema flare, Dr. Chheda explains. It’s best to apply it directly after a moisturizer and well before you apply sunscreen so that each has adequate time to penetrate into the skin, she adds.

If you’re getting ready for the beach and happened to just apply your moisturizer and topical steroid, that’s okay—you should still use sunscreen. Dr. Chheda suggests just waiting around 15 to 30 minutes to allow your skin to absorb the steroid and then applying your sunscreen.

Be smart about your UV exposure.

For some people with eczema, exposure to controlled levels of UVA and UVB light—called phototherapy or light therapy—can be beneficial, particularly for severe cases in which other treatments haven’t worked, according to research published in the journal Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Research.¹ How exactly it works is up for debate, but the light used in phototherapy calms your immune system’s response, which is causing all the itching and inflammation, Dr. Miller says.

That doesn’t give you a free pass to bake in the sun though. Phototherapy is done under the direction of a board-certified dermatologist. If you spend too much time soaking up the sun’s rays without SPF, you could experience a flare-up, since sunburn further breaks down and dehydrates the skin’s protective barrier. In general, if you’re planning to spend time outdoors, it’s best to balance your time in the sun with time in the shade (or inside), especially when the sun is strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). You should also continuously reapply sunscreen every two hours—even on a cloudy day, Dr. Miller says. This brings us to our next point…

Opt for a mineral sunscreen.

A physical or mineral sunscreen (made with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide), as opposed to a chemical sunscreen (which can contain potentially irritating ingredients like oxybenzone), should be in your beach bag this summer.

“Physical sunscreens are best for people with eczema; they sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays, versus absorbing the sun’s rays and turning them into heat, which is what chemical sunscreens do,” Dr. Hartman says. Chemical sunscreen can be irritating to people with sensitive skin and eczema, so it’s ideal to avoid them, she adds. Dr. Hartman also recommends looking for a sunscreen with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, squalene, glycerin, or ceramides, to help soothe skin.

The main issue with mineral sunscreens is that some leave behind a whitish residue, especially on deeper skin tones, Dr. Chheda points out. Look for “sheer zinc” on the label for a less opaque application, she says. If you have melanin-rich skin, try a tinted mineral sunscreen, which should ideally blend into your skin a little better.

If you’re struggling to remove mineral sunscreen at the end of the day, Dr. Chheda recommends using micellar water on your face before your everyday cleanser. “For the body, if regular soap isn’t completely getting the sunscreen off or is too irritating, then you can try an oil-based cleanser, which is generally not irritating,” she adds.

Before slathering sunscreen all over your body, the National Eczema Association recommends doing a patch test on your wrist or a small area of your skin to ensure that the sunscreen doesn’t irritate you.

Treat hyperpigmentation with brightening ingredients.

Hyperpigmentation, or dark and discolored patches on the skin, can develop as a result of skin inflammation. While it can happen in any skin tone, “darker skin typically tends to have a higher chance of hyperpigmentation due to the presence of more melanin,” Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, tells SELF. Extended exposure to the sun can also cause hyperpigmentation, so it’s essential to stay protected with SPF in the warmer months—after all, preventing dark spots is easier than treating them.

Skin-brightening treatments that are typically prescribed to treat hyperpigmentation, like hydroquinone, can be irritating to people with eczema, Dr. Chheda notes. “Non-bleaching prescriptions, like azelaic acid, have more of a natural brightening effect, and are less irritating than hydroquinone,” she says.

A prescription from your dermatologist (usually about 15% to 20% azelaic acid) is going to be most effective—but an over-the-counter azelaic acid product (around 10% strength) can still work for you, according to Dr. Chheda. Other skin-brightening ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and arbutin, a derivative of hydroquinone. ²

There’s a chance that these three might be too irritating for sensitive eczema-prone skin, so be sure to do a spot test before applying to a large area, Dr. Chheda says. Other ingredients to be wary of include alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, as they can be too harsh. Polyhydroxy acids and niacinamide are worth trying under the guidance of a dermatologist, as they’re typically more easily tolerated for those with sensitive skin.

Wear loose, airy clothing.

If sweat and humidity trigger your eczema, opt for loose-fitting clothing whenever possible to allow the skin to breathe and to avoid uncomfortable rubbing and irritation. When you’re rummaging through your closet, choose breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, Dr. Hartman advises.

To further protect your sensitive skin from the sun, consider wearing UPF protective clothing when you can, says Dr. Lee. “And don’t forget a hat with a broad wide brim and sunglasses,” she adds.

Always rinse after swimming.

Getting your skin wet might irritate your eczema: As moisture evaporates off your skin, it can cause excess moisture loss and leave skin dry and irritated. When you swim in the summer, especially in a pool, rinse off right after you go for a dip (chlorine can also be irritating), and then apply a moisturizer immediately, Dr. Lee says.

The same advice applies to shower time. Your showers should be warm, as super hot water might dry out your skin and make eczema symptoms look or feel worse. After you hop out, apply your moisturizer before you even completely dry off to lock in as much moisture as possible, adds Dr. Lee.

Stay cool.

Aside from the cold winter air (which is also notoriously dry), a cool environment can be helpful for short-term itch relief. Dr. Lee suggests chilling in the A.C. this summer as much as you can. You can also help keep your body cool by drinking plenty of water and sitting in the shade on particularly hot days, Dr. Hartman says. Another tip: “Store your lotions and sunscreens in the fridge to get a cooling boost when you apply them to the skin,” he suggests.

If you’re struggling with severe eczema this summer and nothing you try is working, then it’s time to check in with your doctor, Dr. Miller says. There are so many remedies out there that might work better for you with the help of an expert—and you should be able to enjoy your summer to the fullest.

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