When Sunshine Becomes a Trigger
Eczema summer flares shouldn’t be a thing. Summer should be about sprinklers, swimming, sunshine, and freedom. But for families managing eczema, the hotter months often mean flares, frustration, and feeling like you’re doing everything right—yet somehow your child is still itchy, red, and uncomfortable.
You’re not alone. In fact, summer eczema flares are one of the most common seasonal patterns I see. And while it can feel defeating, there are powerful, natural ways to both manage and prevent these flareups.
Let’s dive into why summer eczema is so tricky—and exactly what to do about it.
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
Why Does Eczema Get Worse in the Summer?
While some kids have worse eczema in the winter, summer eczema flares are often driven by a perfect storm:
- Heat + Sweat: Sweat breaks down an already fragile skin barrier, creating the perfect breeding ground for irritation and infection.
- Chlorine Exposure: Pools strip the skin of natural oils, disrupting the microbiome and weakening protection.
- Bug Bites and Scratches: Mosquitoes and outdoor play increase inflammation and open up the skin to more damage.
- Sunscreen Ingredients: Even “gentle” or “baby-safe” sunscreens are packed with chemicals that can trigger reactions in sensitive skin.
This combination overwhelms a child’s body and pushes inflammation through the skin—their largest detox organ.
“Wet wrap therapy isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about creating an environment where your child’s skin can heal.”
-Andra McHugh
The Surprising Role of Internal Health in Summer Flares
Here’s the thing: eczema is never just skin deep.
If your child is flaring in the summer, it means the body’s detox pathways (liver, kidneys, gut, lymph) are overloaded. When those systems can’t keep up, the body uses the skin to push inflammation out.
That’s why eczema can seem fine for months, then show up out of nowhere the moment summer hits.
What’s Hiding in Your Sunscreen?
If your child flares right after a pool day or outdoor adventure, their sunscreen may be part of the problem.
Many commercial sunscreens contain:
- Oxybenzone & Octinoxate: Chemical UV filters that absorb into the skin and disrupt hormones
- Fragrance & Preservatives: Common causes of allergic reactions
- Aerosol Propellants: Butane, propane, and other respiratory irritants
- Avobenzone: Breaks down quickly in sunlight and is stabilized with harsh chemicals
For kids with eczema, these ingredients are like throwing gasoline on a fire.
Why Mineral Sunscreen is a Game-Changer for Eczema
Our Eczema Kids Mineral Sunscreen is:
- Made with non-nano zinc oxide to physically block UV rays
- Enriched with grass-fed tallow, providing skin-soothing vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Free of petroleum, parabens, fragrance, and synthetics
- Gentle enough for daily use on even the most sensitive skin
Zinc sits on top of the skin (instead of absorbing), while tallow moisturizes and repairs. It’s not just protection — it’s active healing.
What About Chlorine and Sweat?
Even when your child is thriving, pool days and summer heat can cause setbacks. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Rinse after swimming and sweating
- Apply herbal oil before bath or shower to buffer the skin
- Use Comfort Spray throughout the day to cool and calm
- Follow up with Soothing Cream while the skin is damp to lock in hydration
These simple steps create a protective rhythm that makes a huge difference.
Why We Still Use These Products Daily (Even Without Eczema)
We’re years past our worst flares—and yet, I still apply:
- Herbal Healing Oil before bath
- Comfort Spray after sun or sweat
- Soothing Cream before bed
- Mineral Sunscreen on their faces before outdoor play
Why? Because this isn’t just about preventing flares. It’s about supporting strong skin, healthy detox, and inflammation-free days.
These products work like preventative medicine — and every ingredient is chosen for a reason.
Avoid These Summer Eczema Saboteurs
To keep inflammation down, avoid:
- Petroleum-based products (like Aquaphor or Vaseline)
- Oatmeal baths (feed yeast and worsen rashes)
- Synthetic fabrics and tight elastic
- Bamboo (highly processed and traps heat)
- Fragranced anything
Instead, stick to:
A consistent, supportive skincare routine
100% cotton clothing
Anti-inflammatory, hydrating meals
Your Simple Summer Eczema Strategy
You don’t need a 17-step protocol. You need a rhythm:
- Herbal Oil before bathing
- Shower or rinse off sweat/chlorine
- Comfort Spray for cool-downs and bug bites
- Soothing Cream on damp skin
- Mineral Sunscreen on exposed skin (faces, thighs)
Repeat. Adjust. Stay consistent.
Be the Calm in the Storm
You don’t have to sit back and hope this flare passes. You don’t have to cross your fingers at every pool day or camp drop-off.
You can be the parent who knows what to do.
You can support your child’s body in healing and in thriving. Because once you’ve seen how powerful the right rhythm can be, you won’t go back to guessing.
If you’re looking for more ways to help your eczema-prone kiddo beat the heat, check out, The Eczema Healing Plan You Didn’t Know You Needed, Eczema Healing Through a Staycation and Freedom From Eczema.
FAQ
What type of sunscreen is best for kids with summer eczema flares?
Mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide is the safest and most effective choice for eczema-prone skin. Look for formulas free from fragrance, parabens, petroleum, and chemical UV filters like oxybenzone or octinoxate. Our Eczema Kids Mineral Sunscreen is specifically designed for sensitive skin, offering both protection and healing benefits.
How do I know if summer is triggering my child’s eczema?
If your child’s skin becomes more inflamed, itchy, or irritated during hot months—especially after swimming, sweating, or outdoor play—it’s likely a summer eczema flare. This is common due to heat, sweat, chlorine, and chemical-laden sunscreen overwhelming an already compromised skin barrier.
