Summer brings lighter clothes, longer days and more time outdoors. But if you have eczema, it also brings a fresh set of triggers.
Heat, sweat, pool chlorine and sun care products can all set off a flare-up just when you want to enjoy the warm weather. Most of these triggers come down to a handful of everyday habits, not anything serious. Here are five common summer skincare mistakes that can make eczema worse, and simple swaps that help.
Mistake 1: Not rinsing off after swimming
Chlorine in swimming pools is a recognised eczema trigger. If you don't rinse off straight after swimming, it gets time to sit on skin that's already more sensitive than most.
Chlorine can strip away your skin's natural oils, leaving it drier and more likely to flare. Sea salt can also sting patches that are already broken.1
Heat adds to the risk, since warm weather is an eczema trigger in its own right. So pool chemicals are working on skin that's already more vulnerable in summer.2
The fix is fairly simple. Apply an emollient (a medical moisturiser) before swimming to create a barrier. Then shower as soon as you get out, and moisturise again once you're dry.3
Chlorine levels tend to be highest just after a pool has been treated, and the fumes linger around the water's edge. So try to avoid swimming straight after treatment, and don't hang around poolside once you're done.1 If a flare-up does develop despite your precautions, our guide to treating eczema flare-ups covers what to do next.
Pack your emollient in your swim bag. Before the pool, and again after your shower, is the routine that works.
Mistake 2: Letting sweat sit on your skin
Heat and rising body temperature are recognised eczema triggers. The NHS specifically advises keeping cool, because being hot can make eczema itchier.2
Sweat left on your skin for long periods can add to that irritation, especially around your elbows, knees and neck, where eczema tends to flare.
During a run of hot days, it can turn into a cycle. The hotter you get, the more you sweat, and the itchier your skin becomes, which makes it harder not to scratch.
Staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day, wearing breathable fabrics and having a cool shower after exercise or a hot day all help. Rinse off as soon as you can rather than waiting for your next planned shower, and drink plenty of water to help your body cope with the heat.
Plan for overnight heat too. A fan, breathable bedding and a lighter duvet all help stop night sweats disturbing your sleep and setting off the itch-scratch cycle.
Mistake 3: Choosing the wrong sunscreen
Sunscreens and other fragranced products are common irritants for eczema-prone skin. Fragrance-free mineral formulas, containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, tend to be better tolerated than chemical ones.4
Summer usually means using more sunscreen than the rest of the year, so it's worth patch-testing anything new first. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm once a day for three to five days, and check for a reaction before using it more widely.4
Order matters too. If you're using a hydrocortisone cream to calm a flare-up, apply it first. Then wait around 30 minutes before putting your emollient or sunscreen on top, rather than layering everything at once.5
Once you're in the sun, reapply sunscreen roughly every two hours. Do it again straight after sweating, swimming or towel-drying, since all three can rub it off without you noticing.4
Test any new sunscreen on your inner forearm for a few days before your holiday, not on the beach.
Mistake 4: Swapping to a lighter moisturiser
It's tempting to switch to a lighter lotion once the weather warms up. But eczema-prone skin usually still needs the same level of moisture, even if it feels less dry on the surface.
Sun exposure dries out your skin in its own right. So cutting back on emollients in summer can leave your skin barrier under-protected at exactly the time it needs more support.4
You can apply emollients as often as you need, ideally three to four times a day, and that doesn't change with the seasons.3 Using a lighter cream just for the daytime is a reasonable swap if a heavier ointment feels too greasy in the heat.
Be careful not to overdo it before heading into direct sun, though. Emollient that hasn't fully soaked in can occasionally cause a "frying" effect on your skin.4
If a patch becomes more inflamed than usual, an emollient alone may not be enough. A moderate topical steroid such as Eumovate can help calm active flare-ups alongside your usual moisturising routine. Only use it for short periods, as directed on the pack or by your pharmacist.6
Do not use Eumovate for longer than the pack says without speaking to a pharmacist or GP.
Mistake 5: Wearing tight or synthetic fabrics
Wool and synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can cause overheating, sweating and irritation if you have eczema. So in summer, choose looser, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen over tight or heat-trapping clothes.7
This matters more in warm weather than at other times of year. Higher temperatures already make you sweat more, and tight or synthetic fabric traps that sweat and heat against your skin instead of letting it evaporate.
Loose clothing, breathable bedding and avoiding rough seams where eczema tends to flare (elbows, wrists and the backs of your knees) all make a real difference through the warmer months. The same goes for nightwear, since sweating overnight in synthetic pyjamas or bedding can undo a good daytime routine.
Frequently asked questions
Does chlorine make eczema worse?
For many people, yes. Chlorine in swimming pools is a recognised eczema trigger, which is why rinsing off promptly after swimming and moisturising straight afterwards is recommended.1
Why does my eczema flare up more in hot weather?
Heat and sudden changes in temperature are recognised eczema triggers. Sweating, dehydration, and increased itchiness in hot weather can all contribute to more frequent flare-ups during summer.3
Should I stop using sunscreen if it irritates my skin?
Not usually. Switching to a fragrance-free, mineral-based formula is generally a better first step than avoiding sun protection altogether.4 If irritation continues, speak to a pharmacist about alternatives.
How often should I moisturise in summer?
The same as any other time of year. Emollients are typically recommended three to four times a day, or whenever skin feels dry, regardless of season.2
References
- Eczema UK (formerly National Eczema Society). Swimming and eczema. eczema.org.uk
- NHS. Atopic eczema. nhs.uk
- NHS. Emollients. nhs.uk
- Eczema UK (formerly National Eczema Society). Sun and eczema. eczema.org.uk
- Eczema UK (formerly National Eczema Society). Topical steroids factsheet. eczema.org.uk
- British Association of Dermatologists. Atopic eczema patient information leaflet. skinhealthinfo.org.uk
- Eczema UK (formerly National Eczema Society). Clothing and eczema. eczema.org.uk
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication and speak to a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.