Summer Dehydration & Eczema: What Every Parent Needs to Know

As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of dehydration in children. But did you know that dehydration can significantly worsen eczema symptoms, especially in young children? In this post, we’ll explore how moisture loss, electrolyte imbalance, and unique features of children’s physiology contribute to eczema flares—and what you can do to protect your child this summer.

Why Children Are More Prone to Dehydration

Young children are especially vulnerable to dehydration due to their higher body surface area-to-volume ratio. This means they have more skin relative to their body size, which causes them to lose water more rapidly through evaporation (Kavouras et al., 2017). Add summer heat, physical activity, and potential illnesses (like diarrhea or fever), and their fluid needs increase dramatically.

According to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011), children are less likely to recognize or respond to thirst. By the time they feel thirsty, they may already be mildly dehydrated.

Electrolytes: The Missing Link in Skin Health

When children sweat, they don't just lose water—they also lose essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are vital for nerve function, fluid balance, and most importantly, skin barrier integrity.

A 2014 study in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that sodium and potassium imbalances impair skin cell hydration and disrupt the function of aquaporins—the channels that regulate water transport in the skin. This contributes to dryness, inflammation, and can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms.

How Dehydration Exacerbates Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is linked to a compromised skin barrier and heightened immune reactivity. Dehydration worsens both:

• Dry skin = vulnerable skin. Without adequate hydration, the skin cannot maintain its protective lipid barrier, making it more prone to cracking and irritation.

• Inflammation worsens. Electrolyte loss can dysregulate cytokine production, promoting systemic inflammation (Huang et al., 2018).

• Sweat residues irritate the skin. Salt from sweat left on the skin can trigger burning and itchiness in children with eczema.

What Parents Can Do This Summer

1. Hydrate early and often: Offer water every 1–2 hours, even if your child isn’t asking. Coconut water or homemade electrolyte drinks (with Himalayan salt, melon, and mint) are great for replenishing lost minerals naturally.

2. Monitor signs of dehydration: Look for dry lips, fatigue, dark urine, or less frequent urination.

3. Use moisturizing strategies that lock in hydration: Apply a fragrance-free emollient right after bathing while skin is damp. Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and colloidal oatmeal.

4. Cool, breathable clothing: Overheating increases sweat, which worsens eczema. Dress your child in light, natural fibers like cotton or bamboo.

5. Watch sodium and sugar: Salty and sugary processed snacks can worsen dehydration. Aim for water-rich snacks like cucumbers, berries, and watermelon.

   
   

Hydration isn’t just about drinking more water—it’s about maintaining the body’s internal balance to protect against inflammation, dryness, and flare-ups. With some proactive strategies, you can help your child enjoy the summer while keeping their skin calm and resilient.

This week, we’ll be diving deeper into childhood eczema and sharing strategies—including a refreshing, kid-approved summer hydration drink—to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and make summer feel better for the whole family.

1.Kavouras, Stavros A., et al. “Water Intake and Hydration Indices in Healthy European Children.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 65, no. 2, 2011, pp. 234–238. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30506317/

2.Huang, Jing, et al. “Role of Electrolytes in Epidermal Barrier Repair.” Journal of Dermatological Science, vol. 89, no. 2, 2018, pp. 125–131. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29685501/

3.Proksch, Ehrhardt, Jens-Michael Brandner, and Jens-Michael Jensen. “The Skin: An Indispensable Barrier.” Experimental Dermatology, vol. 17, no. 12, 2008, pp. 1063–1072. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19043850/

4.Shirreffs, Susan M., et al. “Children Are at Greater Risk of Dehydration than Adults.” Nutrition Reviews, vol. 61, no. 5 Pt 2, 2003, pp. S50–S56. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4504329/