For many people, summer is all about sunshine, swimming, and outdoor fun. But for those with eczema, the heat and humidity can turn the season into a flare-up nightmare. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin—and unfortunately, summer weather in the upper Midwest is full of potential triggers.
Whether you’re managing eczema for yourself or a loved one, understanding what can make symptoms worse during the summer months is key to staying comfortable and enjoying the season.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become red, dry, itchy, and sometimes cracked or blistered. It’s most common in children but can occur at any age. Eczema symptoms tend to come and go, often worsening in response to certain environmental or lifestyle triggers.
While cold, dry air can aggravate eczema in winter, summer poses its own unique challenges—including heat, sweat, allergens, and sun exposure.
Top Summer Eczema Triggers
Let’s break down the most common culprits behind summer eczema flare-ups and how to avoid them:
1. Sweating and Overheating
While sweating helps regulate your body temperature, it can irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Sweat contains salt and other compounds that can dry out the skin and trigger inflammation.
Tips to manage it:
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Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
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Stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas during peak heat hours.
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Shower after sweating and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to seal in hydration.
2. Heat and Humidity
Hot and humid weather can make eczema worse by increasing moisture loss from the skin and trapping sweat. Excessive heat can also cause itching and make flare-ups more likely.
Tips to manage it:
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Take cool showers or baths to lower skin temperature.
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Use a fan or air conditioning to stay cool.
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Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially in the afternoon.
3. Chlorine and Salt Water
Swimming is a favorite summer activity, but pools and oceans can be tough on eczema-prone skin. Chlorine in pools can be drying and irritating, while salt water can sting open eczema patches—though it may help some people with mild cases.
Tips to manage it:
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Rinse off immediately after swimming.
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Apply a thick, barrier-style moisturizer (like petroleum jelly or a ceramide cream) before and after swimming.
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Test how your skin reacts to different water types and adjust your routine accordingly.
4. Outdoor Allergens
Pollen, mold spores, and grasses are in full swing during summer—and they can make eczema symptoms worse, especially for people with atopic eczema, which is often linked to allergies.
Tips to manage it:
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Check the daily pollen count and limit outdoor time on high-pollen days.
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Shower and change clothes after spending time outside.
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Talk to an allergist about allergy testing or treatment options like antihistamines or allergy shots.
5. Sunscreens and Skincare Products
Many sunscreens contain ingredients that can irritate eczema-prone skin, such as fragrances, alcohol, or chemical UV filters. The same goes for some lotions and bug sprays.
Tips to manage it:
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Use mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
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Look for labels like “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” and “for sensitive skin.”
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Patch test new products on a small area before full use.
6. Insect Bites and Stings
Mosquito bites and other insect stings can cause itching, scratching, and secondary infections—particularly problematic for people with eczema, whose skin barrier is already compromised.
Tips to manage it:
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Use eczema-safe insect repellents (look for DEET-free or essential oil-based options).
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Wear protective clothing outdoors.
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Avoid scratching bites and apply hydrocortisone cream if needed (ask your doctor first).
7. Stress and Travel Changes
Vacations, schedule changes, and increased social activity can be exciting—but also stressful, which is a known eczema trigger for many people. Changes in climate or water quality while traveling can also spark a flare-up.
Tips to manage it:
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Stick to your skincare routine as much as possible, even while traveling.
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Bring your own soaps, lotions, and detergent if you’re staying away from home.
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Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing, stretching, or gentle movement.
How to Prevent and Treat Summer Eczema Flares
While you can’t avoid every trigger, the right strategy can help minimize flare-ups and keep your skin calm all summer long.
Summer Eczema Prevention Tips:
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Moisturize consistently, especially after bathing and sweating.
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Stay hydrated to help maintain healthy skin.
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Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser for the face and body.
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Keep fingernails trimmed to reduce skin damage from scratching.
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Use cool compresses for immediate relief from itching.
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Avoid hot showers and opt for lukewarm water instead.
When to See an Allergy Provider:
If your eczema flares frequently, becomes infected, or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, it’s time to see a dermatologist or allergist. Prescription creams, oral medications, or even biologic treatments like Dupixent may be necessary for more severe cases.
While summer can be challenging for eczema-prone skin, it doesn’t have to ruin your fun. By understanding your triggers and taking a few preventive steps, you can enjoy the sunshine with greater comfort and confidence. At Premier Allergy, we’re here to help you identify triggers, develop a personalized treatment plan, and keep your eczema under control year-round.