Are you looking for easy-to-implement lifestyle changes to help you better manage your eczema symptoms during the summer months? 

We know that living with eczema is no easy task. Looking to share some supportive advice, we turned to Toronto-based dermatologist Dr. Miriam Weinstein, a dermatologist and pediatrician, on how to cope with symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Here are the 10 tips to help improve your eczema symptoms:

1. Taking short baths or showers with warm water may help hydrate your skin.
2. Moisturize your skin after bathing or showering and while your skin is still damp.
3. Moisturize the skin throughout the day will help keep moisture in the skin.
4. Find skin care products that work for you, as not everyone will tolerate them or even like the feel of the same products. You can patch test new products on a small area of skin, waiting 24 hours to see how it is tolerated before applying a new product to larger areas of the skin. 
5. Identify your triggers where possible and do your best to avoid them when you can (we know this is hard!). Keep in mind that many flares don’t have a known trigger.
6. Stay cool in the heat! Sweat is a common eczema trigger. Loose-fitting, breathable clothes may help and avoid fabrics that trap sweat.
7. Sunscreens are an essential part of protecting your skin from the sun, but some products may irritate the skin of people with eczema. Choose a sunscreen that does not irritate the skin or cause a flare. 
8. There are other helpful strategies, in addition to sunscreen, to help protect your skin from the sun, including hats with a brim, avoiding the strongest sun rays midday, and wearing light clothing that covers the skin and offers some protection from the sun, such as sun protection swimsuits. 
9. Practice skin care after enjoying the pool. It’s important for eczema sufferers to rinse their skin after swimming and follow up with their skin routine.
10. Enjoy the summer! Living with eczema doesn’t have to limit your lifestyle.

We hope these tips help you enjoy the summer, stay cool, and itch-free (we can dream!).

Eczema Society of Canada thanks Dr. Miriam Weinstein, MD, FRCPC (Dermatology, Pediatrics), for her volunteer contribution to this educational content.

Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at the time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific healthcare needs with a qualified healthcare professional.

April 2024