How to Treat Eczema in Summer: Dermatologist-Approved Tips

How to Care for Eczema During Summer, According to Dermatologists

How to Care for Eczema During Summer, According to Dermatologists
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Updated on February 13, 2026
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Summer can be a tricky time for managing eczema — high temperatures, sun exposure, and water activities can all be triggers for this itchy skin condition. So how can you enjoy the fun of summer and still protect your skin from flares? Here are some answers from our dermatologists, Ross Radusky, MD, Shenara Sexton, MD, and Mohiba Tareen, MD.

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Q: My dry skin gets worse in the summer. What can I do?

Dr. Shenara Sexton: During these hot months, I recommend drinking more water and taking a look at the products that you’re using on your skin. Make sure you’re using a moisturizer daily. The best time to apply it is within two minutes of exiting the bath or shower. Daily showers are fine and encouraged, particularly if your daily activities make you hot and sweaty. The key is to make sure you’re taking shorter showers using warm rather than hot water, and a dye– and fragrance–free, soap-free cleanser. Moisturize right after showering, too.

Pat, rather than rub, your skin dry, and aim to moisturize head to toe. Moisturize exposed areas — arms, legs, and neck — a second time per day when possible. Also, make sure you’re using a dye– and fragrance–free, light, cream-based moisturizer with ceramides.

Dr. Mohiba Tareen: Did you know that heat and UV rays from the sun can weaken our skin barrier?

 For individuals whose eczema worsens in summer, I advise avoiding the harsh, direct sunlight and using hydrating, light moisturizers. Key ingredients to look for include ceramides and squalane in a lotion form. Avoid highly fragranced products during the summer, as this may lead to further skin irritation and burning.

Q: What kind of sunscreen is best for eczema?

Dr. Ross Radusky: Choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free, and aim for a mineral sunscreen over a chemical one. Mineral sunscreens contain either zinc or titanium. These act like a shield over the skin, instead of absorbing into it, so the chances of irritating and worsening eczema are minimal.

 This is particularly important when applying sunscreen over eczema-affected areas of skin.

Finally, choose one that is easy to apply. This may vary based on body part. For example, the arms and legs may require a spray or pump as opposed to a cream to maximize application and minimize unnecessary rubbing across affected areas.

SS: Dye– and fragrance–free sunscreen with as few preservatives as possible. Also, physical or mineral-based sunscreens tend to be gentler and more tolerable for those with sensitive skin.

Q: Is being in the sun good for eczema?

RR: Here's what we know about the sun and eczema. A sunburn can lead to an eczema flare because sun damage can dry out your skin and drive inflammation exactly where we want to avoid it.

 We know that dry, inflamed skin is a major culprit when it comes to causing eczema. Certain prescriptions that are meant to treat eczema, like topical steroid creams, can actually camouflage a sunburn, so your skin may look normal right after an afternoon in the sun, but the damage is still taking place. So it’s best to protect yourself from the sun. Wear protective clothing and a hat, find shade, and apply sunscreen regularly.

Q: Swimming triggers my eczema. What can I do?

MT: Jumping into a refreshing pool or lake is a joy of the summer season. For those whose skin flares after swimming, simple advice can help:

  • Wear a swim shirt and pants with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) before you jump in — this protects your skin from irritation and sun damage.

  • Rinse immediately after getting out. This helps wash off harsh chlorine, salt water, or freshwater algae.
  • Pat dry lightly. Harsh rubbing can exacerbate eczema.
  • Immediately apply moisturizer to your entire skin surface.
  • For areas that tend to get irritated, seal in the moisturizer with a layer of petroleum jelly.

Q: What’s the top tip you give eczema patients going into the summer?

RR: Every season has its challenges for patients with eczema. The pool can be very relieving, and particularly helpful because of the chlorine in moderation, but can also be too drying. The air has more moisture than in winter, which is great for eczema-prone skin, but all the extra sun can leave your skin feeling parched. So my top tip for eczema patients is to continue your normal routine — moisturizing, topical or injectable medications as needed, and sunscreen all summer long to enjoy all the best this season offers.

SS: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, and drink your water. And just like any other time of the year, be mindful of the products that you’re using. Avoid products with any dyes or perfumes.

 And stick with mineral (physical) based sunscreens, SPF 30 or higher on a day expected to be spent indoors, and SPF 50 or higher on a day expected to be spent outdoors.
MT: Sun-protective clothing. Although sunscreen is great, sun protective clothing gives a more reliable degree of protection. Find clothing that is light and breathable. In addition, your sun shirt can protect you against bug bites, which can get very large and inflamed in eczema patients.

 As a bonus, you do not have to worry about tan lines!

The Takeaway

  • Eczema is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that can become worse during summer months due to heat, sun exposure, and swimming.
  • To help make eczema less-severe during summer, try these tips: Shower daily with fragrance-free, gentle cleansers. Pat your skin dry. And use light moisturizer right after bathing.
  • Mineral-based sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher can be applied daily to reduce sun exposure and prevent irritation to eczema-prone skin.
  • To help reduce eczema flare-ups during the summer, wear sun-protective clothing, drink plenty of water, and moisturize.

Resources We Trust

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Ultraviolet Radiation and Skin Cancer. Cleveland Clinic. November 16, 2022.
  2. Adams M. Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen: Which Should You Use? MD Anderson Cancer Center. June 30, 2022.
  3. Russo F et al. Atopic Dermatitis and Climate: Environmental Stressors and Care Strategies. Dermatology and Therapy. October 7, 2025.
  4. Sun-Protective Clothing. Skin Cancer Foundation. August 2025.
  5. Eczema Treatments. National Eczema Association. May 8, 2025.
  6. National Eczema Association. 8 Skincare Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Eczema, According to Dermatologists. National Eczema Association. September 28, 2022.
  7. Yavuz S et al. Mosquito Hypersensitivity May be Associated With Atopic Background in Children. Allergologia et Immunopathologia. November 2, 2021.
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Susan Bard, MD

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Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her professional interests include Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic and laser procedures, and immunodermatology.

She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Dr. Bard has written numerous book chapters and articles for many prominent peer-reviewed journals, and authored the textbook The Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions.

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Kim Richardson

Kim Richardson

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Kim Richardson is a freelance contributor, and was previously the editorial director of medical affairs, overseeing Everyday Health’s Health Expert Network and managing editorial initiatives for the medical affairs team. Before joining Everyday Health, Kim spent over a decade at WebMD as their blogs editor. She is especially passionate about creating content related to mental health, mind-body practices, and trauma recovery.

In her free time, Kim enjoys hiking, yoga, and spending time with her adult children, preferably over a great meal.
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