Eczema is a skin condition characterized by a dry, red, sensitive rash that can be incredibly painful and itchy when irritated. Its rough, scaly appearance makes it a burning reminder for sufferers that they need to be extra-careful with their skin care routines. The specific causes of eczema are unknown, but a variety of environmental and physiological conditions can trigger flare ups with little warning. Because of this, eczema is often regarded as the body’s overactive immune response to what’s typically a minor irritant. Summer is the time of year when people who suffer from eczema must find ways to manage their symptoms. If you’re in need of a few tricks to prevent breakouts, try these top ways to manage eczema in the summer.

Wear Light, Loose-Fitting Clothing

One of the primary aggravators of eczema-prone skin is frequent exposure to rough, heat-retaining materials. In fact, people with eczema may find themselves allergic to these types of clothing items and experience flare ups because of it. For this reason, it’s highly recommended that you wear light-colored, loose clothes to limit the amount of rubbing your sensitive skin experiences. Additionally, you may also want to purchase clothing made from natural, breathable materials such as cotton to prevent moisture from sitting on your skin for too long.

Use Gentle Skin Care Products

You should also be extra-careful when applying skin care products. Depending on what typically causes your flare ups, certain ingredients in your moisturizers or sunscreen could give you an adverse reaction. As such, it’s vital that you not only find products that are better suited for your skin, but also that you apply them in ways that don’t irritate your skin. Along with a reliable sunblock to wear outdoors and a quality moisturizer to hydrate your skin, you might want to consider purchasing a product to remove blemishes. Since eczema breakouts can leave darker patches in the location of the rash, many people choose to use skin-lightening pills to reduce hyperpigmentation.

Rinse Off After Sweating or Swimming

Another way to manage eczema in the summer months is to get into the habit of immediately rinsing off after swimming or exercising. It’s good to keep your skin from drying out, but too much moisture can lead to chafing and raise your chances of developing a painful rash. Plus, the salt and chlorine from sweat and pool water can inflame your skin. Because of this, you should rinse off and change your clothes after either activity.