Swim season with eczema: your beach & pool game plan

Summer and swimming can still be on the agenda with eczema—you just need a simple “protect–rinse–restore” routine and a bit of planning. Water play is great exercise and helps sleep, so the aim is to make it as comfortable and flare-free as possible, not to avoid it.

Before you swim: Apply a generous layer of your usual thick moisturiser 10–15 minutes beforehand to act as a temporary barrier against salt and chlorine. Don’t be shy—this should look like a light sheen on the skin, not a tiny dab. Add a broad-spectrum SPF50+ that suits sensitive skin, a rash vest, and a hat for extra UV protection and less friction.

Choosing sunscreen (what to avoid): Many people with eczema find mineral (physical) sunscreens gentler—look for zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide on the label. Steer clear of common sting or irritant triggers such as fragrance and essential oils (eg eucalyptus, citrus, menthol), high alcohol content (alcohol denat.), and certain UV filters that more often irritate sensitive skin, including oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), octinoxate, and sometimes octocrylene. Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone (MI/MCI) can also be problematic. If you are unsure, choose products that say “for sensitive skin” or “for babies/children” and are labelled fragrance free. Patch-test new products on the inner arm for a few days before a big swim. When you’re shopping, look out for the EAA partner logo—it’s your quick cue that the association recommends that sunscreen as suitable for eczema-prone skin.

In the water: Keep an eye on how your skin feels. A mild tingle at first can be normal, but strong stinging, burning, or intense itch are a sign to hop out, rinse, and re-apply moisturiser once you are dry. Fresh grazes can sting in saltwater, and if skin is weeping, crusted, or looks infected, it is best to skip the swim and treat first after speaking with your GP or dermatologist. For children, it can help to agree on a simple “code word” so they can easily

tell you if their skin is starting to hurt or itch.

After swimming: Rinse off with fresh water as soon as you’re out, ideally in a lukewarm shower rather than a very hot one. Gently pat dry with a soft towel—no vigorous rubbing—and then moisturise within a few minutes while the skin is still slightly damp. If you use prescription anti-inflammatory creams during flares, apply them as directed once skin is dry, then moisturise on top unless your doctor advises otherwise. Try to get back to your usual daily eczema routine that evening, including any baths, creams, or other usual treatments.

A small “swim kit” helps: Pack a travel moisturiser, sensitive-skin sunscreen, lip balm, spare hat, and a soft towel or two. For children, consider a spare set of light cotton clothes to change into after a swim. Take regular shade breaks, drink water often, and change out of wet togs promptly to avoid chafing and irritation around the neck, groin, and underarms. If stinging, redness, or itch persists despite these steps, or if the skin looks infected, check in with your GP or dermatologist to fine-tune your summer plan. With the right preparation, most families living with eczema can still enjoy a safe, splash-filled swim season.