Why does my skin flare up in the summer?

Author: Ashton Rempel  |  Last update: Saturday, December 13, 2025

Several aspects of summer — like increased heat and sweating, seasonal allergens, and certain sunscreens — can lead to flare-ups. The good news is you can take a proactive approach to minimizing these risks.

Why does my skin flare up in the heat?

Heat rash develops when a duct that leads from a sweat gland to the surface of the skin is blocked or inflamed. This then blocks the opening of the sweat duct on the surface of the skin (sweat pore). Instead of evaporating, sweat is trapped beneath the skin, causing irritation and bumps on the skin.

What does summer rash look like?

Heat rash appears as raised spots that are 2mm to 4mm across. Some spots may be filled with fluid. Heat rash may be harder to see on brown or black skin. The spots may look grey or white.

Why is my skin so sensitive in the summer?

Hot weather increases water loss from the body, leading to dehydration. This can cause skin to feel irritated, red and dry, so make sure to hydrate your skin and keep water levels topped up. Summer heat tends to mean more sweat, more oil and speedier skin cell production too.

Why my skin is breaking out in summer?

Most of the time, these seasonal breakouts are due to pores becoming clogged by the increased oil and sweat that the skin produces as a reaction to higher temperatures. Heat and humidity create the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can get trapped in the clogged pores, resulting in blemishes.

7 Ways to Prevent Eczema Flare-Ups

How do I stop breaking out in hot weather?

Dermatologists recommend the following to help prevent acne:
  1. Blot sweat from your skin with a clean towel or cloth. ...
  2. Wash sweaty clothes, headbands, towels, and hats before wearing them again.
  3. Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, back, and chest.

Why does skin get worse in summer?

Typically, increased sweat on your skin mixes with bacteria, natural oils, and sunscreen, clogging pores and leading to breakouts. Those with oily and acne-prone skin often experience increased breakouts during summer. Acne is distressing at any age, but excellent treatments are available for this condition.

Why am I so intolerant to hot weather?

Heat intolerance causes may include conditions that cause dysautonomia, which affects the autonomic nervous system. They may also have an unusual response to heat, such as intense sweating or anxiety. Heat intolerance is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

How do you treat sensitive skin in the summer?

SOS for sensitive skin
  1. Stock up on green tea. Green tea can soothe acutely irritated skin. ...
  2. Protect your skin from the sun. Some people with sensitive skin react harshly to the sun. ...
  3. Check your diet and lifestyle. ...
  4. Check labels on all face products. ...
  5. Use Revision Skincare®

What illness causes hypersensitive skin?

Overview of Hypersensitivity and Reactive Skin Disorders
  • Drug rashes.
  • Erythema multiforme.
  • Erythema nodosum.
  • Granuloma annulare.
  • Panniculitis.
  • Pyoderma gangrenosum.
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis.

How do you get rid of summer rashes?

Self-care and treatments
  1. Wear light, loose-fitting, soft clothes that don't trap heat and moisture, and cause less friction. ...
  2. Spend time in cool, air-conditioned or well-ventilated environments. ...
  3. Take cool baths or showers often.
  4. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any creams or tablets that may help you.

What does fungal sweat rash look like?

You might have fungal sweat rash if you notice:

A red rash with scaling around the edge. Sore or stinging skin. Itchy or burning skin. Broken skin (in the space between fingers or toes)

What are three signs of contact dermatitis?

Signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis vary widely and may include:
  • An itchy rash.
  • Leathery patches that are darker than usual (hyperpigmented), typically on brown or Black skin.
  • Dry, cracked, scaly skin, typically on white skin.
  • Bumps and blisters, sometimes with oozing and crusting.
  • Swelling, burning or tenderness.

Why does my skin flare up so easily?

coming into contact with an allergen or irritant such as soap, washing detergent, pets, some fabrics, pollen, house-dust mites or certain foods. heat or changes in temperature. skin infections, such as a staph infection. stress.

Why do I get itchy when I lay in bed but no bugs?

Body temperature: If you have a high body temperature at night, you could have itchy skin. Dry skin: Your body loses moisture at night, which can make your skin itchy. Hormonal changes: At night, your body doesn't produce as many hormones as it does during the day and certain hormones reduce inflammation (swelling).

Why do I only get eczema in the summer?

For some people, the dry, indoor air of winter causes flare-ups. But for others, it's warmer weather — and the sweating, outdoor allergens, and increased exposure to sunlight — that can ignite a bout of itching, rashes, and other symptoms.

Why is my skin so sensitive to the sun all of a sudden?

Causes of sun allergy include immune system reactions to sunlight, certain medications and chemicals that make the skin more sensitive to the sun. It isn't clear why some people have a sun allergy and others don't. Inherited traits may play a role.

How do I get rid of heat rash asap?

Heat rash can clear up by itself in a few days, but there are also home treatments to help relieve itching and cool the skin.
  1. Use a cold compress. ...
  2. Take a cool bath or shower. ...
  3. Use fans or air conditioning. ...
  4. Wear loose cotton clothing. ...
  5. Apply aloe vera. ...
  6. Use cucumber slices. ...
  7. Try an oatmeal bath. ...
  8. Take an antihistamine.

Which moisturizer is best for sensitive skin in summer?

Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin Bestsellers
  • Dot & Key CSMS Vitamin C Bestseller Combo,
  • Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Brightening Day Creme,
  • Minimalist Daily Skincare Routine For Oily & Acne Prone Skin CSMS Combo,
  • Reequil 0.1% Retinol Night Creamtreat For Wrinkles & Skin Tightening.

What autoimmune disease causes heat sensitivity?

Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, can be aggravated by exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays, causing a sudden and severe onset of redness, heat, pain, or swelling. Spending time in the heat can also cause increased fatigue and dehydration, which can worsen joint pain.

Why can't I tolerate the heat anymore?

You may develop this symptom if you have an anxiety disorder, if you're in menopause, or if you have thyrotoxicosis (when your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone) from any condition, like hyperthyroidism. Other issues and conditions can make you more likely to have heat intolerance.

What organ regulates body temperature?

Our internal body temperature is regulated by a part of our brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus checks our current temperature and compares it with the normal temperature of about 37°C. If our temperature is too low, the hypothalamus makes sure that the body generates and maintains heat.

Why am I breaking out so much in the summer?

During the summer, our skin tends to produce more oil. The combination of higher temperatures and humidity can cause sebaceous (oil) glands to work overtime, leading to an increase in oil flow. While this excess oil can give your skin a radiant glow in the summer, it also sets the stage for acne as the seasons change.

Why is my skin suddenly red and burning?

Various factors can cause temporary redness, such as sunburn, hot flashes, food sensitivity, a reaction to medication, or skin irritation. Some conditions can also cause redness, such as rosacea, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, shingles, and lupus.

Why do I have summer skin problems?

Heat and Sweat

Hot summer air and sweat can cause ― or aggravate ― certain skin conditions. Acne can worsen in the summer when sweat and face oils mix and clog hair follicles and oil glands.

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