When temperatures climb, many people with eczema notice their symptoms flare. Heat, sweat, sun exposure, and even air conditioning can dry or irritate already sensitive skin.

In MyEczemaTeam Q&A discussions like this one, members have shared what really helps them get through hot weather. Here are strategies based on real experiences and medical insight that may help you stay more comfortable this summer.

Why Heat Can Make Eczema Worse

For many people with eczema, heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be a trigger. Sweating, humidity, friction from clothing, and temperature extremes can all irritate the skin barrier. When sweat dries on the skin, it can increase itching. Heat can also lead to more scratching, which can make flares worse.

That’s why so many members of MyEczemaTeam say summer takes extra planning. Their tips focus on staying cool, managing sweat, and protecting the skin barrier.

For some people, the most effective strategy is also the simplest: Avoid the heat when possible.

One MyEczemaTeam member shared, “The heat aggravates my eczema. I basically stay inside with air conditioning, as I live in Florida.”

Another wrote, “Avoid it. Countless 100-plus degree days this year, and it is awful. This summer has been my worst yet.”

“The heat aggravates my eczema. I basically stay inside with air conditioning, as I lived in Florida.”

— A MyEczemaTeam member

Many members plan outings early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower. If you need to go out, air-conditioned spaces and shaded areas can make a big difference.

Sweat is a major trigger for many people with eczema.

“Sweat running down my legs to my rash burns like fire,” said one MyEczemaTeam member.

Members recommend gently wiping away sweat before it dries on the skin. Some wipe down with cool water or a damp cloth, then reapply moisturizer right away.

“If you sweat, and it’s not possible to bathe, wipe with water or a wet cloth and apply moisturizer,” one member advised. “Don’t allow the sweat to dry.”

Keeping skin folds and other sweaty areas dry can also help reduce irritation.

Hot water may feel soothing at the moment, but many members say it makes eczema worse in the heat.

One MyEczemaTeam member shared, “Cool showers. … It really feels refreshing.”

Another cautioned, “Watch the temperature of your shower water! I accidentally got too warm of water on one spot and it almost was ‘burned.’”

Cool or lukewarm showers can help rinse off sweat and calm overheated skin. Gently patting dry may reduce friction. Mayo Clinic recommends applying moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

If showering more often in summer dries your skin, applying moisturizer right afterward may help protect the skin barrier.

Several members swear by refrigerated skin care for instant relief.

One MyEczemaTeam member wrote, “I keep my creams, lotions, and scripts refrigerated. It really gives my skin some instant relief.”

“Apply refrigerated aloe vera gel/moisturizer,” another recommended.

Cooling lotions can feel especially soothing during a flare. Some members even keep a small fridge in the bathroom or car for this purpose.

“I keep my creams, lotions, and scripts refrigerated. It really gives my skin some instant relief.”

— A MyEczemaTeam member

Make sure to check the labels of your prescriptions before putting them in the fridge. Some treatments, such as certain steroids, need to be stored at room temperature.

Also, while over-the-counter topical products like aloe vera can be soothing for some people, they can cause allergic reactions in others. To make sure a new product is safe for your skin, you can test it by applying it to the same small spot of skin twice a day for seven to 10 days. If your skin doesn’t become discolored, itchy, or swollen, the product is likely safe to use.

What you wear in hot weather can make eczema feel better or worse.

One MyEczemaTeam member shared, “I also try to wear loose-fitting, 100 percent cotton clothing.”

Another explained their frustration: “My pet peeve is ‘all cotton’ ads, but the cotton is heavyweight or has scratchy stitching.”

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can reduce heat and friction. Loose clothing may also help sweat evaporate rather than get trapped against the skin.

“I also try to wear loose-fitting, 100 percent cotton clothing.”

— A MyEczemaTeam member

Some members even change clothes as soon as they get home to get sweat and heat-trapping clothing off their skin.

Sun exposure affects people with eczema differently, but many members say direct sun makes flares worse.

One member of MyEczemaTeam shared a detailed strategy: “I cover up with UPF 50 clothing, use good sun lotion (don’t forget to do your ears), and always wear a wide-brimmed sun hat.” (UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor, a rating system for clothing that measures how effectively fabric shields skin from sun damage.)

“I cover up with UPF 50 clothing, use good sun lotion (don’t forget to do your ears), and always wear a wide-brimmed sun hat.”

— A MyEczemaTeam member

Sun-protective clothing, hats, and gentle sunscreens may help reduce irritation. Showering soon after being in the sun can help remove sweat and leftover sunscreen.

If sunscreen irritates your skin, a dermatologist can help you find options designed for sensitive skin.

Join the Conversation

On MyEczemaTeam, people share their experiences with eczema, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you found effective ways to beat the heat while living with eczema? Let others know in the comments below.