The days are long and hot, and the air is either as dry as the desert or so humid that you break a sweat just from stepping outside. Your clothes stick to your skin, and staying cool while you sleep seems like a far-off dream.
When temperatures rise, it’s common for eczema to act up. The combination of heat, humidity, and extended exposure to UV rays can set off myriad triggers—especially if you have sun sensitivity or sweat is extra bothersome for you. That said, applying SPF isn’t the only way you should protect your skin during the summer. Providing support throughout the Flare Cycle can save you from redness and irritation.
While you likely want to just relax and have your fun in the sun, it’s important to not take a break from your Flare Care.
Want to know exactly how your skin is coping with the season now? The Flare Quiz can tell you your stage in 60 seconds.
Why Summer Causes Flares
Winter tends to get more of a bad rap when it comes to eczema, but summer can be just as triggering. In response to a poll on TYB, 46% of our community said heat and humidity affected their skin more than cold, dry air.
This is often because it tends to make flare-prone skin sufferers’ skin sweaty, prickly, and generally uncomfortable, which leads to scratching. The salt in sweat can also weaken the barrier, along with hot water from showering more frequently. On top of that, you might not be as well-rested: 50% of our TYB community said their top sleep pet peeve is an uncomfortable temperature, which is a hallmark of summer. Chlorine strips away your natural oils. Some common sunscreen ingredients cause allergic reactions.
How to Soothe Summer Eczema
While this may feel like an overwhelming list, you can still take action to keep your skin protected and hydrated. Now that you know the seasonal triggers that increase barrier load, you can be mindful about offsetting them.
Wear lightweight, loose clothing whenever possible, and stay cool by sticking to shaded areas and hydrating. Limit your time in the shower, or use lukewarm water. Prioritize keeping your bedroom from getting hot and invest in breathable, moisture-wicking sheets so you can sleep better. Make sure your sunscreen works for you.
To protect flare sites from further irritation and sweat, you can reach for our Flare Kit, as all the patches provide a physical barrier. If you’re swimming, use Surge to minimize contact with chlorine. Signal’s ingredients bring an immediate cooling effect to any spots that are starting to feel itchy or uncomfortable. Reset helps rebuild your barrier if anything has caused damage.
Surge Patch adds a targeted layer of protection, so you don’t have to sweat irritating your Active Flare even more.
FAQs
Why does eczema get worse in the summer? Your skin may flare more in the summer due to heat, humidity, and sweat causing the skin to feel uncomfortable and itchy. Chlorine, certain ingredients in sunscreen, more frequent showers, and inability to stay cool while sleeping are other common summer triggers.
Does sweating cause eczema flares? Yes, sweat is a common flare trigger. The chemicals can cause irritation, especially to an already weak skin barrier. The uncomfortability of it may also make you scratch more, which can prolong the Flare Cycle.
Can you swim with eczema in the summer? Yes, but chlorine can be irritating and dry out your skin. Provide additional protection and support, especially if you’re in Active Flare. Use the Surge patch for a physical barrier on the flare site, and rinse off and apply moisturizer right after swimming.
What sunscreen should people with eczema use? You should generally avoid chemical sunscreens, as they have ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone which are common allergens and flare triggers. Look for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide, which has a cooling effect and prevents water loss.