When the weather heats up, many families are eager to enjoy the sunshine, but if your child has eczema, summer can feel like a minefield of potential skin flare-ups. Sweat, heat, humidity, and sun exposure all can impact already sensitive skin. I often hear from parents who feel like just when things are starting to get better, summer rolls in and their child’s eczema comes roaring back.
So, what’s actually happening? And how can you support the skin naturally while still enjoying the summer season?
Let’s break it down. I’ll also share my favorite trio of natural solutions that can help soothe, calm, and protect your family’s skin this summer.
Why Can Eczema Get Worse in Summer?
Eczema can be an unpredictable condition. While for some winter is the worst season for eczema, summer can bring its own set of challenges for others.
- Sweat and Heat Rash: Excessive sweating can clog pores, trap bacteria, and increase itching. Sweat also contains salt, which can sting and further dry out eczema-prone skin.
- Chlorine and Saltwater Exposure: While swimming can be soothing for some, the chemicals in pool water (especially chlorine) can disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation.
- Increased Sun Exposure: While a little sun can be beneficial (hello, Vitamin D), too much sun and especially with the wrong sunscreen, can trigger inflammation and even lead to contact dermatitis.
- Environmental Allergens: Pollen counts tend to rise in warmer months, and outdoor play often leads to more contact with grass, plants, and insect bites, all of which can trigger flares.
Protecting the Skin Starts With Prevention
When it comes to managing eczema in the summer, prevention is your first line of defense. The combination of heat, sweat, and increased outdoor activity can be a recipe for flare-ups, especially for kids with sensitive or compromised skin barriers. The key? Staying ahead of common triggers and supporting the skin before irritation sets in.
Here are some eczema-friendly prevention strategies that can make a big difference:
- Choose breathable clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting fabrics like 100% cotton or bamboo help the skin breathe and prevent heat and sweat buildup. Avoid synthetic fabrics that trap moisture and cause friction.
- Skip heavy ointments during the day: Thick ointments can trap heat and sweat in warm weather. Opt for lighter creams or my all-time favorite light Eczema Rescue Cream.
- Plan outdoor time wisely: Try to avoid peak sun and heat hours (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Early morning or late evening is usually better for outdoor play if your child is heat-sensitive.
- Cool things down: Lukewarm or cool baths and showers help soothe overheated, itchy skin. Avoid hot water, which can dry and irritate eczema-prone skin even more.
- Stay hydrated: Internal hydration plays a huge role in skin health. Make sure your child is drinking enough water, especially on hot days when sweat leads to fluid loss.
- Support from the inside out: Nutrition matters. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, wild salmon, and gut-friendly options like fermented foods or bone broth. These can help calm systemic inflammation and support the skin’s ability to heal.
By taking a proactive approach with these simple steps, you can help reduce the frequency and intensity of eczema flares during the summer and allow your child to enjoy the sunshine with a little more ease.
But beyond prevention, I’ve found that having a reliable routine can make all the difference, and that’s where my “Perfect Trio” comes in.
The Perfect Trio to Soothe & Protect Eczema-Prone Skin in Summer
Whether you’re headed to the beach, the park, or just your backyard, here are my go-to natural solutions to keep skin calm and flares at bay.
1. Serawise Eczema Rescue Cream
Designed by yours truly, this clean, fragrance-free eczema cream is packed with calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, calendula, and vitamin B12. It’s our answer to years of frustration with all the creams on the market with extra additives that didn’t deliver results.
Why it works in summer:
The light, non-greasy formula provides daily relief while supporting the skin barrier against sweat and sun exposure. Plus, it’s steroid-free and safe for use on the face and body, even for babies. Families tell me it also helps calm irritation from bug bites and minor sun exposure.
2. Hypochlorous Spray (Like Active Skin Repair)
Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring molecule that the body produces to fight inflammation and bacteria. A topical version like Active Skin Repair is perfect for after pool days, bug bites, or even scrapes and cuts.
Why it works in summer:
It helps cleanse and calm irritated skin without stinging. It is ideal for heat rashes, bug bites, and eczema spots that are at risk of infection from scratching.
3. Liposomal Vitamin C or Other Antioxidant Support
Remember, eczema isn’t just a skin issue, it’s an immune and inflammatory one. Supplementing with antioxidant support like liposomal Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation from within while supporting collagen production and skin healing.
Why it works in summer:
UV exposure and heat-induced stress can lead to increased free radical damage. Antioxidants help reduce that oxidative stress and improve skin resilience from the inside out.
Final Summer Tips for Eczema Families
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration dries out the skin, so encourage frequent water breaks, and hydrating natural foods especially when sweating.
- Rinse Off After Swimming: Chlorine and salt can linger on the skin. A quick rinse and moisturizer afterward can go a long way. Check out the Summer Wellness Guide to shop for chlorine filters you can use at home.
- Avoid Common Irritants in Sunscreens and Bug Sprays: Many traditional products contain alcohols, synthetic fragrances, or preservatives that trigger eczema. (Psst… I include my favorite clean swaps in my Summer Wellness Guide for Families, you can grab it free here).
Let’s Make Summer Enjoyable Again
Eczema doesn’t have to steal your summer joy. With a little planning, some clean, effective tools, and a better understanding of how heat affects the skin, you can help your child (or yourself) stay comfortable, active, and flare-free.
If you’re looking for more eczema-friendly summer tips such as safe sunscreens, clean bug spray swaps, or how to neutralize chlorine after a swim, don’t miss my free Summer Wellness Guide. It’s everything I recommend as a pediatrician and mom, all in one helpful download.
👉 Download the Guide Here. Let’s give your family the summer they deserve, without the skin flares.
SOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
