How to Manage Eczema Flare-Ups in the Summer

Eczema is more than just dry, itchy skin—it’s a chronic condition that affects millions of people and can significantly impact daily life. Whether you're newly diagnosed or managing ongoing flare-ups, understanding what causes eczema, how it behaves, and what you can do about it is the first step toward relief.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes red, itchy, dry, cracked, and inflamed. It is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that tends to flare-up at times. 

Eczema is relatively common, affecting more than 30 million Americans or 10% of the population.

The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It usually develops before age 5 in children and can continue into the teen and adult years, but can also start later in life.

While eczema is not an autoimmune disease, it is an inflammatory skin condition in which the immune system plays an important role. Also, eczema is not an allergy. However, some types of eczema are triggered by an allergic reaction, for example, contact dermatitis.

Symptoms and Signs of Eczema

Common Eczema Symptoms

• Dry, cracked skin

• Pruritus (itching)

• Red rash on fair skin

• Small, raised bumps on dark skin

• Swelling

• Oozing and crusting

• Thickening of the skin

• Darkening of the skin surrounding the eyes

• Raw skin from scratching

How Long Do Eczema Flare-Ups Last?

An eczema flare up can last for a few days to a few weeks. The duration of the flare up depends on the underlying cause. During these flares, individuals would experience more severe eczema symptoms.  

For example, if hot weather is triggering eczema, you may experience flare-ups throughout the summer.

Eczema vs. Heat Rash

Heat rash occurs in the summer when sweat glands get blocked and cannot cool the skin effectively. It causes a prickly, itchy sensation in the skin along with the appearance of red bumps or tiny blisters. These signs and symptoms can resemble eczema. 

Not sure whether you have a heat rash or eczema? 

The biggest clue that points to a heat rash is that the rash is brought on by hot, humid weather and usually fades when you cool the skin with cold compresses or a cold shower. 

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Types of Eczema

There are seven different types of eczema:

• Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, is characterized by dry patches of skin with cracking, oozing, and crusting. It often occurs along with asthma and allergies (hay fever).

• Contact dermatitis develops when the skin comes in direct contact with an allergen or irritant.

• Dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, intensely itchy and painful blisters on the edges of the fingers and toes and on the palms and soles.

• Nummular or discoid eczema consists of coin-shaped spots of dry, irritated skin that can become scaly or crusty. It can be commonly found on the arms, legs, and torso.

• Neurodermatitis appears as a patch of itchy, irritated skin that can become thickened and leathery.

• Seborrheic dermatitis, also called dandruff in adults, causes red, greasy, inflamed skin and affects the scalp, face, and other areas that are prone to be oily.

• Stasis dermatitis occurs due to poor circulation in the legs and causes redness, swelling, itching, and in severe cases, sores and ulcers.

What Causes Eczema?

• Immune System: Eczema occurs when the immune system reacts excessively to harmless substances or allergens, causing inflammation, resulting in eczema symptoms on the skin.

• A family history of eczema puts you at a higher risk. Children whose parents have asthma or hay fever are also more likely to develop eczema.

• Stress and emotional triggers can be linked to the exacerbation of your eczema. 

• Environmental triggers like air pollutants, smoke, certain soaps and makeup, detergents, shampoos, and disinfectants can cause your eczema symptoms.

Seasonal Eczema Flare-Ups

One of the factors that affects the severity and frequency of eczema flare-ups is weather. 

In general, eczema flare-ups tend to occur more frequently in the winter. This is because it is cold and windy outdoors, with dry, centrally heated air indoors. For many people, eczema symptoms tend to improve in the summertime when the skin is exposed to natural sunlight. 

But warm weather can also trigger eczema. If you suffer from eczema and find that the summer months are particularly difficult for you, there are various things you can do to manage your condition better.

Eczema Flare-Up in Summer

If you find that your eczema is worse in the summertime, it could be due to various reasons:

• The heat itself raises body temperature.

• There is increased sweating during the summer. Sweat contains various salts that can irritate broken or cracked skin in people with eczema. 

• When you are indoors during the summer, air conditioning can have a drying effect on sensitive skin, making you more prone to itching. 

• Some people with eczema find that seasonal pollen allergies trigger eczema flares. Another potential summertime trigger is swimming in a chlorinated pool (the chlorine can irritate the skin).

How To Calm Eczema Flare-Ups  

You can do various things to manage your eczema flares when the weather is hot. Here are some tips that may help.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing in natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Avoid clothes with rough, scratchy fibers.

• Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated. Stay cool.

• Keep your lotions and gels in the fridge to help keep your skin cool.

• Shower and moisturize your skin after swimming.

• Use cooling towels or a cold washcloth to wipe away sweat periodically.

• Keep places like the bends of the elbows and backs of the knees dry (eczema tends to flare in these areas due to sweat).

• Take cold showers (hot water can have a drying effect on the skin).

• Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers. 

• Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it after a shower.

• Use a moisturizer every day to protect your skin. This acts as a barrier against environmental triggers.

• Avoid doing strenuous activities outdoors during the daytime. Stick to going outdoors in the early mornings and evenings when it’s cooler.

• Avoid rapid changes in temperature.

• Use sunscreen every day, preferably mineral sunscreen.

• Try to identify allergic triggers for your eczema and avoid them.

Eczema Treatment Options

Medications

There is no cure for eczema. However, doctors can prescribe various medications to try to keep you comfortable when you experience eczema flares. Some of the medications used to treat eczema or atopic dermatitis include:

• Topical or oral anti-itch medications, such as antihistamines to control itching and nighttime scratching.

• Topical or systemic corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching.

• Antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals if the eczema is associated with a skin infection.

• Topical calcineurin inhibitors are medications that suppress the immune system, reduce inflammation, and help prevent eczema flares.

• Prescription-strength and over-the-counter moisturizers act as an effective barrier to protect the skin.

• Phototherapy or light therapy to treat dermatitis.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers are essential because they protect the outer layer of the skin. Individuals with eczema often have a damaged skin barrier, which makes it difficult for their skin to retain moisture. This can result in chronic dryness and itching, potentially worsening eczema and other skin conditions.

You can choose from various types of moisturizers, including lotions, creams, and ointments. It's essential to select moisturizers and skincare products that are dye and fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, formulated for sensitive skin, and contain aloe, oat, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, and vitamin E.

Moisturize your skin liberally at least once a day after bathing, washing your hands, and anytime your skin feels dry and itchy. Choose water and oil-based moisturizers.  

Natural Remedies for Eczema

The following natural remedies can help some people with eczema:

• Aloe vera gel.

• Diluted apple cider vinegar.

• Wet wraps.

• Bleach baths.

• Colloidal oatmeal baths.

• Epsom salt baths.

• Coconut oil.

• Honey.

• Tea tree oil.

When To Consult A Healthcare Provider

If lifestyle modifications and home treatments are not working and you are suffering from severe eczema flares in the summer season, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist. They can help you figure out allergens and give you tips on how best to protect your skin.

Long-Term Eczema Management  

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Use a gentle cleanser while bathing.

• Bathe in cool or warm water. Avoid hot water which has a drying effect on the skin.

• Avoid low humidity and sudden temperature changes.

• Protect your skin from cold, harsh weather in the winter.

• Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

• Wear comfortable fabrics, such as cotton.

• Avoid scratching.

• Manage stress with relaxation techniques.