Summer brings lighter clothes, longer days, and more time outdoors, but for people with 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're hoping to enjoy the warm weather. Most of these triggers come down to a handful of everyday habits rather than 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, and swimming without rinsing off straight afterwards gives it time to sit on skin that's already more sensitive than average. Chlorine can strip away natural oils and leave skin drier and more prone to a flare-up, while sea salt can sting patches that are already broken.1 Heat adds to the risk, since warm weather is a recognised eczema trigger in its own right, so pool chemicals are working on skin that's already more vulnerable during summer.3
The solution is fairly straightforward. Apply an emollient (a moisturising treatment) before swimming to create a barrier, then shower as soon as you get out and moisturise again once you're dry.2 Chlorine levels tend to be highest just after a pool has been treated, and the fumes linger around the water's edge, so it's advisable to avoid swimming straight after the pool has been treated and not lingering poolside once you're done.1 If a flare-up does develop despite taking precautions, our guide to treating eczema flare-ups covers what to do next.
Mistake 2: Letting Sweat Sit on Your Skin
Heat and rising body temperature are recognised eczema triggers, and the NHS specifically advises keeping cool because being hot can make eczema itchier.3 Sweat left on the skin for long periods can add to that irritation, particularly around the elbows, knees, and neck where eczema tends to flare up. During a run of hot days, this tends to build on itself - the hotter you get, the more you sweat, and the itchier your skin becomes, which makes it harder to resist scratching.
Staying in the shade during peak heat, wearing breathable fabrics, and taking a cool shower after exercise or a hot day all help. Rinse off as soon as you can rather than waiting until your next scheduled shower, and stay well hydrated, as this helps your body regulate its temperature and can reduce how much you sweat in the first place. Overnight heat should be planned for too: a fan, breathable bedding, and a lighter duvet all help stop night sweats disturbing 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, so fragrance-free, mineral formulas containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide tend to be better tolerated than chemical ones.4 Since summer usually means applying more sunscreen than the rest of the year, it's worth patch-testing anything new first. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm once a day for three to five days and check for a reaction before using it more widely.4
It's also advised to apply products in the right order. If you're using a hydrocortisone cream to calm a flare-up, leave a gap of 20 to 30 minutes before applying an emollient or sunscreen on top, rather than layering everything at once.2 Once you're in the sun, reapply sunscreen roughly every two hours, and again straight after sweating, swimming, or towel-drying, since all three can remove it without you noticing.4
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 is drying to the skin in its own right, so cutting back on emollient use in summer can leave the skin barrier under-protected at exactly the time it needs more support.4 Emollients can be applied as often as needed, ideally three to four times a day, and that doesn't change with the seasons.2 Applying a lighter cream just for daytime use is a reasonable adjustment if a heavier ointment feels too greasy in the heat. Be careful not to overdo it before heading into direct sun, since emollient that hasn't fully absorbed can occasionally produce a "frying" effect on the skin.4
If a patch becomes more inflamed than usual, an emollient alone may not be enough. A mild topical steroid such as Eumovate can help calm active flare-ups alongside your regular moisturising routine, but should only be used for short periods, as directed on the pack or by your pharmacist.5
Mistake 5: Wearing Tight or Synthetic Fabrics
Wool and synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon can cause overheating, sweating, and irritation for people with eczema, so it's worth choosing looser, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen over tight or heat-trapping clothing during summer.6 This matters more in warm weather than at other times of year, since higher temperatures already push you towards sweating more, and tight or synthetic fabric traps that sweat and heat against the skin instead of letting it evaporate.
Loose clothing, breathable bedding, and avoiding rough seams where eczema tends to flare up (elbows, wrists, and the backs of knees) all make a noticeable 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
1. Eczema UK (formerly National Eczema Society). Swimming and eczema. Available at: https://www.eczema.org.uk/support/swimming-and-eczema
2. NHS. Emollients. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/emollients/
3. NHS. Atopic eczema. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/
4. Eczema UK (formerly National Eczema Society). Sun and eczema. Available at: https://www.eczema.org.uk/support/sun-and-eczema
5. British Association of Dermatologists. Atopic eczema patient information leaflet. Available at: https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/condition/atopic-eczema/
6. Eczema UK (formerly National Eczema Society). Clothing and eczema. Available at: https://www.eczema.org.uk/support/clothing-and-eczema
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.