First, take a close look at your skin-care products. Summer days should be spent sunbathing (with SPF), napping, barbecuing, and going to the beach, not itching, sweating, and itching again. If you have severe summer eczema, the latter is likely.
Monique Chheda, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MedStar Health, tells SELF that eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a set of chronic skin conditions that produce itchy rashes in individuals of different ages, skin types, genders, and races. It’s common: The National Eczema Association estimates 31 million Americans suffer from eczema.
Warmer weather’s increased moisture and sunshine help relieve eczema symptoms, unlike winter’s dry air, which can cause flare-ups. Dr. Chheda believes sun, heat, humidity, sweat, and seasonal allergens like pollen may cause eczema in certain individuals. Itching, burning, and pain—not ideal summer vacations.
How can you decrease heat flare-ups? First, plenty of sunblock. Follow these summer eczema tips.
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First, Carla T. Lee, MD, Ph.D., assistant professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, advises SELF that your cleanser should be soft enough for sensitive skin but strong enough to remove sweat from heat and humidity. A drugstore cleanser works for morning and night cleansing.
The National Eczema Association advises a fragrance-free, low-pH cleanser. Search the National Eczema Association’s product directory or packaging for “soap-free,” “pH-balanced,” or the seal. What is the best approach to locate anything that fits these criteria?
Eczema requires a powerful daily moisturizer year-round. Dr. Chheda believes it keeps your skin barrier healthy and nourished. Ceramides and colloidal oatmeal soothe and repair the body’s moisturizers.
Jami Miller, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, recommends a light cream or lotion containing a humectant like hyaluronic acid for your face. Avoid fragranced skin-care products, which may trigger eczema flare-ups.
Topical steroids in cream, ointment, lotion, or spray form are the best treatments for itching, inflammation, and redness. “In summer, individuals don’t normally want to use a heavy, oily ointment, and we could modify the specific composition to a lighter cream,” Dr. Chheda explains.
Dr. Chheda advises using topical steroids once daily for a few weeks or as required during an eczema flare. She recommends using it after a moisturizer and before sunscreen to give each enough time to absorb.
Even if you simply apply moisturizer and topical steroids before going to the beach, take sunscreen. Dr. Chheda recommends wearing sunscreen after 15–30 minutes to let your skin absorb the steroid.
Topical steroids in cream, ointment, lotion, or spray form are the best treatments for itching, inflammation, and redness. “In summer, individuals don’t normally want to use a heavy, oily ointment, and we could modify the specific composition to a lighter cream,” Dr. Chheda explains.
Dr. Chheda advises using topical steroids once daily for a few weeks or as required during an eczema flare. She recommends using it after a moisturizer and before sunscreen to give each enough time to absorb.
Even if you simply apply moisturizer and topical steroids before going to the beach, take sunscreen. Dr. Chheda recommends wearing sunscreen after 15–30 minutes to let your skin absorb the steroid.
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This summer, pack a physical or mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide instead of a chemical sunscreen containing oxybenzone, which may irritate.
“Physical sunscreens are ideal for patients with eczema because they sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb them and transform them into heat,” Dr. Hartman adds. Dr. Hartman advises sunscreens containing moisturizing components like hyaluronic acid, squalene, glycerin, or ceramides to soothe skin. She recommends avoiding chemical sunscreen for sensitive skin and eczema.
Dr. Chheda says mineral sunscreens might leave a yellowish residue, particularly on darker skin. Tinted mineral sunscreens integrate better with melanin-rich skin. She recommends “sheer zinc” on the label for less opaque application.
Dr. Chheda suggests using micellar water before cleansing to remove mineral sunscreen. “For the body, if conventional soap isn’t totally taking the sunscreen off or is too irritating, you may use an oil-based cleanser, which is typically not irritating,” she says.
The National Eczema Association suggests testing sunscreen on your wrist or a small skin area before applying it.
Inflammation may cause skin hyperpigmentation. Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology and associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, tells SELF that darker skin has a greater risk of hyperpigmentation owing to more melanin. In the summer, SPF is vital to avoid hyperpigmentation, which is simpler to prevent than correct.
Dr. Chheda says hydroquinone, a hyperpigmentation therapy, might irritate eczema patients. She believes non-bleaching medications like azelaic acid brighten naturally and are less irritating than hydroquinone.
According to Dr. Chheda, a prescription from your dermatologist (typically 15–20 percent azelaic acid) is best. However, an over-the-counter treatment (10 percent) may help well. Vitamin C, kojic acid, and hydroquinone derivative arbutin brighten skin.
Dr. Chheda advises spot testing before applying to a big area, since all three may irritate delicate eczema-prone skin. Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids are harsh substances to avoid. Polyhydroxy acids and niacinamide are better for sensitive skin, so test them with a dermatologist.
If sweat and humidity cause your eczema, wear loose clothes to let your skin breathe and minimize friction and irritation. Dr. Hartman recommends cotton and linen for closet shopping.
Dr. Lee recommends wearing UPF clothes to protect delicate skin from the sun. “And sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat,” she adds.
Wetness may exacerbate eczema: Moisture evaporation may dry and irritate the skin. Dr. Lee recommends washing off and moisturizing after swimming in the summer, particularly in a pool. Chlorine may irritate the skin.
Showering follows the same guidelines. Hot baths may dry the skin and worsen eczema symptoms. Dr. Lee advises using a moisturizer before drying off to seal in moisture.
Besides the dry winter air, a cool setting might temporarily relieve itchiness. Dr. Lee advises summertime A.C. relaxation. Dr. Hartman recommends drinking plenty of water and relaxing in the shade on hot days. He recommends refrigerating lotions and sunscreens to chill the skin.
Dr. Miller advises seeing a doctor if you have severe eczema this summer and nothing works. With an expert’s advice, many cures may work better for you so that you can enjoy your summer.
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