You may find that surprising, since eczema commonly worsens in the winter months, when the air is cold and dry, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Although wintertime is actually the most common time for flares to occur, eczema can flare year-round,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Downtown Dermatology in New York City. In fact, a study published in January 2021 in The Journal of Dermatology found that one‐third of children with difficult‐to‐treat atopic eczema reported flares in spring and summer. So why is summer such a tricky time for eczema? For one, increased heat and humidity can lead to more sweating, says Susan Bard, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Vive Dermatology Surgery and Aesthetics in Brooklyn, New York. Sweating is enemy No. 1 for eczema-prone skin in the summer, because it can lead to increased aggravation, according to a study published online in January 2017 in BioMed Research International. “Sweat contains various salts that can be irritating to broken skin, such as eczema skin,” Dr. Bard says. More specifically, sweat can contain zinc, copper, iron, nickel, cadmium, lead, manganese, sodium, and chloride, and when these build up, irritation could result, according to the National Eczema Association. You may notice eczema worsens mainly in areas where moisture gets trapped, such as the elbows, the back of the neck, or the backs of the knees. Daniel P. Friedmann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, adds that other seasonal environmental factors could also be to blame. “An increase in allergens in the environment — pollen, for example — can incite histamine release, which causes itching,” he says. Jumping into the water and slathering on sunscreen — two common summertime habits — can also cause the eczema you thought you had under control to go into turmoil. The good news is you can take a proactive approach to minimizing these risks. Here are eight strategies for avoiding eczema flare-ups in the summer.
2. Choose a Physical (or Mineral) Sunscreen
Bard says choosing a physical sunscreen (sometimes called a mineral sunscreen) versus a chemical one is the best option for people with eczema. “Some chemical sunscreens can be irritating to sensitive skin,” she says. According to Piedmont Healthcare, physical sunscreens are also more moisturizing. Look for the words “physical” or “mineral” on the bottle and ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
3. Consider Phototherapy to Help Prevent Flares
This treatment option uses ultraviolet light — the same that is found in sunlight — which has been filtered to remove the damaging aspects, according to NYU Langone Health. “Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light during the daytime can improve eczema and prevent flares due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ultraviolet B wavelengths,” Friedmann says. A study published in The British Journal of Dermatology involving children with eczema found that narrowband ultraviolet B treatment reduced the signs of eczema by 61 percent. This doesn’t need to be limited to a summer practice, though, and can be used year-round.
4. Change Out of Wet Clothing as Soon as You Can
Staying dry should be your summertime mantra if you’re struggling with eczema-prone skin. If you feel perspiration start to build and your T-shirt start to stick to your back, for instance, swap your wet clothes for dry ones as soon as you can. The BioMed Research International study found that changing clothes when they become wet with sweat is an effective way to manage sweat if you have eczema.
5. Use an Air Purifier to Battle Environmental Triggers
Consider buying an air purifier for your home to help remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “When inhaled, these air particles can drive allergic reactions in the skin,” explains Dr. Zeichner, adding that more research is needed to prove that air purifiers truly benefit people who have eczema. Zeichner recommends opting for a HEPA purifier with a carbon filter for added protection.
6. Rinse Off Immediately After You Go Swimming
Chemicals found in chlorinated pools and salt found in the ocean could be a problem for those with sensitive skin. Just in case there’s no shower in sight, bring along a spray bottle filled with water and use it to rinse off immediately afterward, according to the National Eczema Association. Follow up by reapplying moisturizer and sunscreen to protect the skin and keep it from drying out.
7. Bathe or Shower Daily to Keep Skin Clean
Taking a bath or shower each day can help clear the skin of bacteria as well as sweat and dust that may have accumulated over the course of the day. A study published in Asia Pacific Allergy found that children with eczema saw their symptoms improve as a result of bathing daily plus moisturizing immediately afterward in the summer months. Always be sure to wash with a mild soap that doesn’t include dyes or fragrance, according to the Mayo Clinic.
8. Moisturize With Ceramides to Restore the Skin’s Barrier
Levels of ceramides, which are lipids naturally found in the skin, decrease when skin is dry, no matter if it’s winter or summer. Your defense? A moisturizer that contains ceramides (such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream). “It can help restore the skin’s protective barrier and hydration,” Dr. Marchbein says. She recommends applying the moisturizer within 60 seconds of getting out of the shower for best results.
