For some people with atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, summer isn’t always so sweet. The soaring temps and warm-weather activities like swimming and sunbathing can trigger atopic dermatitis.
“Although winter is actually the most common time for flares to occur, eczema can flare year-round,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. Several aspects of summer — such as increased heat, sweating, seasonal allergens, and certain sunscreens — can trigger flare-ups.
The good news is you can be proactive about minimizing these risks. Here are eight strategies for limiting atopic dermatitis flare-ups in the summer.
1. Stay Cool, Avoid Sweating, and Drink Enough Water
One reason summertime atopic dermatitis flare-ups might occur is the sweating that increased heat and humidity can trigger, says Susan Bard, MD, a dermatologist with Vive Dermatology Surgery and Aesthetics in Brooklyn, New York.
“Sweat contains various salts that can be irritating to broken skin, such as eczema skin,” Dr. Bard says. More specifically, Bard advises that sweat can contain the following:
- Zinc
- Copper
- Iron
- Nickel
- Cadmium
- Lead
- Manganese
- Sodium
- Chloride
When these build up and dry out, they leave a residue that can result in irritation.
The obvious first step is to try to minimize sweating. “The most important strategies are staying cool by avoiding excessively warm temperatures and reducing sweating,” says Daniel P. Friedmann, MD, a dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
Bard notes that this might mean sticking to the shade when you’re outside or staying indoors in an air-conditioned environment when the temperatures climb. (You may want to consider using a humidifier if your air conditioner dries out the air in your home too much.)
Be sure to drink plenty of water, too. That will help keep your body at a normal temperature. And opt for wide-brimmed hats and loose-fitting clothes in breathable fabrics and light colors that’ll reflect the sun (think wicking shirts and cotton).
If you like to
exercise outside, work out in the early morning or evening hours when the sun’s rays are less intense to avoid excessive sweating. And when you do work up a sweat, rinse off with a cool shower as soon as possible afterward.
2. Choose a Physical (or Mineral) Sunscreen
Slathering on sunscreen can also cause eczema flares if you don’t choose an eczema-friendly sun protection product.
Bard says choosing a physical sunscreen (sometimes called a mineral sunscreen) versus a chemical one is the best option for people with atopic dermatitis. “Some chemical sunscreens can be irritating to sensitive skin,” she says.
Physical sunscreens are also more moisturizing. Look for the words “physical” or “mineral” on the bottle and ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Plus, a small number of people experience photoallergic contact dermatitis, a skin reaction that occurs when the sun activates an ingredient found in sunscreen, perfume, or medication.
If this happens to you, you can request a patch test from your allergist or dermatologist to identify which ingredient is bothering you and avoid products containing it.
3. Consider Phototherapy to Prevent Flares
This treatment option uses
ultraviolet light — the same type found in sunlight — which has been filtered to remove the damaging components.
“Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light during the daytime can improve eczema and prevent flares due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ultraviolet B wavelengths,” Dr. Friedmann says.
According to a review, this UV exposure helps to thicken the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin.
This helps to reduce how often eczema flare-ups occur by improving the skin’s barrier protection. It may also lead to fewer symptoms and less severe symptoms in the flare-ups that do occur.
Phototherapy needn’t stay a summer practice. You can use it year-round to help you manage flare-ups. Other
treatments for eczema are also available, including the following:
- Topical treatments
- Biologics
- Oral immunosuppressants
- Other medications
- Wet wrap therapy
4. Change Out of Wet Clothing as Soon as You Can
Staying dry should be your summertime mantra if you’re struggling with eczema-prone skin, and sweat doesn’t help. If you feel perspiration building and your T-shirt starts to stick to your back, swap your wet clothes for dry ones as soon as you can. Sweaty clothes can trigger eczema flare-ups.
Changing clothes when they get sweaty may help you avoid the irritation they can cause for people with atopic dermatitis.
5. Use an Air Purifier to Battle Environmental Triggers
Seasonal environmental factors could also be to blame for summer eczema. “An increase in allergens in the environment — pollen, for example — can incite histamine release, which causes itching,” Friedmann says.
Consider buying an air purifier for your home to help remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology and an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
“These air particles can drive allergic reactions in the skin when you inhale them,” says Dr. Zeichner, adding that more research is necessary to prove that air purifiers truly benefit people who have atopic dermatitis. Zeichner recommends opting for a HEPA purifier with a carbon filter for added protection.
Air pollution can also worsen atopic dermatitis, according to research.
Check the air quality index and stay indoors on high-pollution days (above 100 on the index) when possible.
But even indoor environments can cause air pollution, often due to the harsh chemicals in strong household cleaners, solvent-heavy products, and some air fresheners. Keep your use of these to a minimum.
6. Rinse Off Immediately After You Go Swimming
Chlorine in chlorinated pools and salt in the ocean can be problematic for those with sensitive skin. However, everyone’s eczema triggers are different, so you won’t need to avoid jumping in the pool or sea unless these are known triggers for you. Swimming can help people with atopic dermatitis get exercise while reducing sweating and supporting weight management and cardiovascular health.
In case no shower is available, bring a bottle of water and rinse off immediately afterward. Follow that by reapplying emollient to lock in the moisture (as pool water can dry out the skin) and sunscreen to protect the skin and keep it from drying out.
7. Bathe or Shower Regularly to Keep Skin Clean
Taking a
bath or shower each day can help clear the skin of bacteria and irritants like sweat and dust that may have built up throughout the day.
However, recent research found no evidence that daily showering provides greater eczema management benefits than weekly showering.
Always be sure to wash with a mild soap that doesn’t include dyes or fragrance, use lukewarm water, and avoid scrubbing the skin with a loofah or washcloth. Gently pat the skin dry with a towel, and apply any moisturizers while the skin remains damp to lock in the moisture.
8. Moisturize With Ceramides to Restore the Skin’s Barrier
Levels of
ceramides, which are lipids that naturally occur in the skin, decrease when the skin is dry, whether it’s winter or summer.
Plus, dry skin may contribute to eczema flare-ups.
Your defense? A moisturizer that contains ceramides. “It can help restore the skin’s protective barrier and hydration,” Dr. Marchbein says. She recommends applying the moisturizer within 60 seconds of getting out of the shower for best results.
If you’re prone to dry skin, try showering in lukewarm water, and limit showers to no more than once a day and no longer than 5 to 10 minutes.
Rachel Green
Rachel Davis
Derek Schulz
Sophia Martinez
Dr. Amara Okafor