Dealing with Eczema in a Heatwave

9th July 2026

Hot weather brings its own challenges if you live with eczema. Sweat, heat and sun exposure can all trigger flares or make existing ones worse, and many of the usual routines that keep skin comfortable need to change when the temperature rises. We've put together some tips of our own, and asked our community to share what works for them too.

Our tips

Keep cool, not just comfortable. Overheating is one of the biggest triggers in hot weather, so try to stay in cooler rooms where possible and avoid direct sun during peak hours (typically 11am to 3pm).
Switch to lightweight, breathable fabrics. Natural fibres like cotton allow skin to breathe and reduce sweat build-up, which can otherwise irritate already sensitive skin.
Stay on top of moisturising. Heat and air conditioning can both dry out skin, so keep your usual routine going even if your skin feels less dry than usual. A fragrance-free moisturiser kept in the fridge can also help cool skin down.
Manage sweat quickly. Sweat sitting on the skin, particularly in folds like the neck, elbows and knees, can aggravate eczema. Gently patting the area dry can help reduce irritation.
Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water supports overall skin health, especially in warmer weather.
Choose sun protection carefully. Sun exposure can affect eczema differently from person to person. Speak to your GP or dermatologist about a sunscreen that's suitable for your skin. You can find more information about sunscreen here.
Apply emollient then sunscreen. Apply your emollient first, then wait around 30 minutes before applying sunscreen.

As always, everyone's eczema is different, and what works well for one person may not work for another. If you're trying something new, particularly a new product, it's worth patch testing first or checking with your GP or dermatologist.

Tips from our community

We asked our Instagram and Facebook community how they cope with eczema when the weather heats up, and you shared some brilliant, practical advice. Here's a selection of what you suggested:

Cooling the skin

Take cool or cold showers when you feel yourself getting hot and sweaty
Keep a cold, damp cloth or cooling towel to hand for quick relief
Wrap ice packs in a tea towel and use day or night
A cool foot bath can help, but don't leave skin in water too long as it can dry it out afterwards
Dampen a hand towel, wring it out, and place it on your pillow (or over your body under a sheet) with a fan on for a cooling effect overnight

Clothing & bedding

Stick to natural, breathable fabrics like fine cotton
Swap to lightweight cotton pyjamas and bedding, and skip the quilt in hot weather
Keep a fan running at night, although make sure it is not directly on you as fans can dry out the skin.