5 Tips to Soothe Eczema in Summer

Do you struggle with eczema during summertime? As the temperatures warm, the air becomes more humid, and the sun shines brighter for longer during the day, many find that their eczema symptoms improve. 

However, other environmental factors, like air conditioning, insect bites, irritating skincare products, and sunburns can trigger troublesome eczema flare-ups. We’re sharing our top tips on how to soothe eczema during summertime so you can better enjoy this beautiful time of the year. 

If you have eczema, you likely already know how important it is to regularly moisturize your skin during the winter months. However, if you’re not consistently moisturizing your skin during the summertime as well, you’re leaving your skin at risk and have a higher chance of developing more severe eczema patches. 

This is because eczema thrives on dry, irritated skin. With regular moisturizing, you amplify the health and hydration of your skin, leading to reduced eczema symptoms and flare-ups. 

For many with eczema, their symptoms and flares are triggered by topical skin care products. More specifically, the harsh ingredients in them. Our dermatologists recommend avoiding the irritating chemicals in sunscreens, soaps, cleansers, shampoos, and detergents to reduce the severity and frequency of your eczema flare-ups. 

Furthermore, don’t forget to choose skincare products that are free of harmful fragrances, dyes, and alcohols, all of which can exacerbate your eczema symptoms. 

Research has shown that a small, controlled amount of sun exposure can help with eczema symptoms. Many scientists attribute this outcome to increased Vitamin D production after sunlight exposure, which helps modulate immune function in the outermost layer of skin and increase the production of the amino acid compound cathelicidin. 

According to some research, individuals with eczema tend to have lower levels of cathelicidin in the skin, leading to an increased risk of developing bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. This can exacerbate eczema symptoms or trigger an eczema flare-up. 

However, when going out into the sun, it is still important to protect your skin with sunscreen and protective wear, including a hat and sunglasses. 

High humidity and rising temperatures can lead to excessive sweating, which is one of the worst triggers for eczema during the summertime. 

According to the National Eczema Association, sweat can contain zinc, copper, iron, nickel, cadmium, lead, manganese, sodium, and chloride, and when these build up, skin irritation can occur as a result. 

Keep your cool this summer by staying in the shade when possible, drinking enough water, going for regular swims in refreshing waters, and seeking air conditioning when you need to cool down. 

Furthermore, stick with loose-fitting, light, breathable clothing materials, like cotton, that don’t hold in the heat and reduce sweat by wicking away any lingering moisture.

Environmental impurities, like sweat, dust, pollen, dirt, and bacteria, often build up on the skin during the summertime, as we all tend to spend more time outside this time of year. 

To ensure your skin stays clean and free of any eczema triggers, we recommend bathing or showering daily to wash your skin off. And don’t forget to moisturize directly afterwards to maximize your moisture’s absorption into the skin!