JULY. 2025, ISSUE 4
Summer and Eczema
Bee Well Therapeutics Guide to a Healthy Life
How to Manage Flares in Hot
Weather
Summer brings long sunny days, beach trips, and outdoor adventures. But for many people living with eczema (atopic dermatitis), the warmer months also bring a frustrating reality: eczema flares in summer. Heat, sweat, and seasonal
triggers can all irritate sensitive skin, making it harder to stay
comfortable.
In this post, we'll break down why summer can worsen eczema
and share dermatologist-approved tips for managing eczema
in hot weather so you can enjoy the season without constant
discomfort.
Why Eczema Flares in the Summer
Eczema is closely tied to skin barrier function and inflammation. During summer, several factors can make symptoms worse:
* Heat and Sweat Irritation: Sweating is the
body’s natural cooling system, but for
people with eczema, sweat can sting, dry up
quickly, and leave behind salts that trigger
itching. Flare-ups are especially common in
skin folds like the elbows, knees, and neck.
* Sun Exposure: Limited sunlight may
temporarily calm inflammation, but too
much sun can damage the skin barrier.
Sunburns and dryness often make eczema
patches worse.
* Pools and Beaches: Chlorine and salt water
affect everyone differently. Some people
find swimming helps clear their skin, while
others notice dryness, tightness, and
itching after being in the water.
* Seasonal Allergies: Summer allergens like
pollen, grasses, and mold don’t just cause sneezing—they can also trigger eczema flare ups.
Summer Skincare Tips for Eczema:
Here are some dermatologist-backed
strategies to help keep eczema under control:
1. Stay Cool with Breathable Fabrics: Lightweight
cotton or linen clothing helps wick sweat away
without trapping heat. Avoid tight, synthetic
fabrics that can rub and irritate the skin.
2.Moisturize After Every Water Activity:
Whether it’s a swim, shower, or even just
sweating, apply a fragrance-free eczema
moisturizer within minutes of drying off. This
locks in hydration and strengthens the skin
barrier.
3.Pick the Right Sunscreen: Look for mineral
sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
These are less likely to burn or irritate eczema-
prone skin compared to chemical sunscreens.
4.Rinse Off Pool or Salt Water Quickly: If
chlorine or salt makes your skin itch, shower
soon after swimming. Applying a thin layer of
ointment before swimming can act as a
protective barrier.
5.Time Outdoor Activities Smartly: Aim for
mornings or evenings when the sun is less
intense. This reduces both heat exposure and
sweating.
6.Soothe Itch Fast: Use cool compresses, wet
wrap therapy, or protective textiles (like
moisture-retaining eczema sleeves or gloves) to
calm flare-ups before they spiral out of control.
Enjoying Summer Without the Flares
Managing eczema in summer isn’t about
avoiding fun—it’s about staying prepared.
Everyone's skin is different, so pay attention
to your own triggers. Keeping a quick journal
of what activities or environments spark
flare-ups can help you create a personalized
summer eczema plan.
With the right strategies—and a little extra
skin TLC—you can enjoy long summer days
while keeping eczema under control.
