From your morning hike to your Independence Day BBQ, summer is known for outdoor fun—unless you’re one of the millions of kids and adults who suffer from seasonal itch. While sunburns are the most commonly discussed summertime skin health concern, itchy, irritated skin easily comes in second. From allergies and bug bites to sun damage, there are numerous reasons why people are more likely to experience itchy skin, rash, and hives during the summer. In the past, dermatologists and patients relied on steroid creams to reduce itch. Unfortunately, these creams caused irritation for some. Enter Dermeleve. This steroid-free anti-itch cream provides both short and long-term relief for itchy skin. In this blog, we discuss the common causes of itchy skin, how to treat summer’s itch, and why Dermeleve is quickly becoming the top dermatologist-recommend product to relieve itch and keep skin healthy all summer long.

What Is “Summer Itch”?

While “summer itch” isn’t a specific diagnosis, it’s a helpful way to reference the variety of different itchy, uncomfortable skin reactions that happen during the summer. The warm, sunny summer days and nights mean more environmental allergens, insects, bacteria and fungi growth, and sweating. All of this can result in itchy, irritated skin. In addition to the telltale itch, many people also notice hives, red skin, bumps, blisters, burning, stinging, and skin dryness.

Who’s Most at Risk?

• • Swimmers may experience itchy skin during the summer, especially those who swim in freshwater lakes and oceans that harbor microscopic parasites.
• • Campers and hikers are at risk of exposure to allergens from plants like poison ivy, oak, and sumac as well as bites from insects that are abundant in wooded areas.
• • Children typically spend much more time outdoors in the summer, which means more opportunities for exposure to something that will irritate skin.
• • Athletes – heat, sweat, and friction during hot summer sports practices and games as well as uniforms that may not be made of the most breathable fabrics can lead to skin irritation or clogged hair follicles.
• • Sensitive skin – those with eczema, allergies, or a history of skin sensitivity are more susceptible to summer itch and may have more severe symptoms.

Common Causes of Summer Itch

Pinpointing the source of your itch is half the battle since many treatments, including Dermeleve, are formulated to address multiple underlying causes of summer itch, but not all treatment options work well for every type of itch. Some of the most common causes of summer itch include:

Swimmer’s Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis)

Swimmer’s itch, clinically known as cercarial dermatitis and also referred to as clam digger’s itch, is a common condition caused by parasites in lakes and oceans. After people come in contact with these microscopic parasites, they burrow into skin and die. This causes a red, itchy rash to develop.

What to look out for:

• • Small, red bumps or blisters.
• • Warning signs appearing on parts of skin not covered by a swimsuit.
• • Symptoms that develop within hours after swimming but can last for days.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Some of the leading causes of itchy, irritated skin in the summer are plants like poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Simply brushing up against them can leave you itching for days to weeks after exposure. The itch is caused by urushiol, which is an oily resin that coats the leaves of these plants. This resin binds to skin leading to the itchy, blistery rash associated with exposure to poison ivy, oak, and sumac.

What to look out for:

• • Skin redness.
• • Swelling and inflammation.
• • Streaky blisters.
• • Symptoms that usually show up within hours, but that may appear a day or two after exposure.

Molluscum Contagiosum

This common viral skin infection often spreads more easily in summer due to increased skin-to-skin contact and shared surfaces like poolside furniture or gym equipment. While typically painless, the small, raised bumps can become red, inflamed, and itchy—especially as the body begins to fight off the virus.

What to look for:

• • Small, flesh-colored or pink bumps with a dimple or pit in the center
• • Bumps may become itchy, red, or irritated, especially if scratched
• • Common on the arms, legs, trunk, or areas of friction like under swimwear

Folliculitis

Sweat, friction from clothing, and bacteria irritate hair follicles, leading to this cause of summer skin itch. Folliculitis itches, and it can also be very painful if left untreated.

What to look out for:

• • Small, pimple-like bumps.
• • Bumps that are itchy, red, and sometimes painful to the touch.
• • Can last a few days, weeks, or longer depending on severity.

Bug Bites and Hives

Bites from mosquitos and other pests as well as hives caused by heat rash or environmental allergens are triggered when the immune system responds to these irritants, leading to skin inflammation and itch.

What to look out for:

• • Bumps, welts, or raised areas.
• • The affected skin may itch, sting, or burn.
• • Hives can come and go rapidly and respond poorly to common treatments.

How to Treat Summer Itch

When you experience summer itch, you may instinctively reach out and scratch, but in most cases, that’s the worst thing you can do. Best case scenario, it damages skin and makes healing take longer. Worst case scenario is that it introduces bacteria, makes itch worse, or spreads the itch to other areas. Smart steps to alleviate itch and prevent scratching include:

• • Gentle cleansing – use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser after exposure to potential allergens and irritants.
• • Cool skin – apply a cold compress or take a lukewarm oatmeal bath to soothe skin irritation and inflammation.
• • Moisturize – use a non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic moisturizer to support your skin barrier. This won’t necessarily prevent itchy skin, but moisturizing skin can provide significant summer rash relief before you ever apply an anti-itch cream.
• • Avoid triggers – identify and avoid things you know cause itchy skin like bug bits and specific plant life.

Why Dermatologists Recommend Dermeleve

Even with the best prevention plan, summer itch happens. That’s where a targeted treatment like Dermeleve comes in. If you typically rely on steroid creams or over-the-counter antihistamines for itch relief, you may want to switch to Dermeleve. This breakthrough cream is formulated specifically to treat itching, stinging, and burning without the potential adverse effects of steroidal itch relief. Some of the reasons dermatologists recommend Dermeleve for summer itch include:

• • Steroid-free – steroids can damage skin, cause it to thin, or negatively impact hormone levels, so it’s not recommended for long-term use. Because Dermeleve is steroid-free, it is safe to use over a longer period of time, for those with sensitive skin, and even for children.
• • C-fiber pathway targeting – how does Dermeleve work without steroids? This anti-itch cream stops signals from the nerve’s c-fiber pathway that transmits the message that your skin itches, making it effective for everything from hives to swimmer’s itch treatment.
• • Rapid, long-lasting relief – many traditional anti-itch creams take hours to provide relief and may wear off right away. Dermeleve users report relief in minutes that lasts up to eight hours.
• • Dermatologist-developed – the Dermeleve formula is trusted by board-certified dermatologists and designed to heal skin, not just mask symptoms.
• • Safe for all ages – from kids with swimmer’s itch to adults battling folliculitis, Dermeleve is gentle enough for everyone.

When to See a Dermatologist

In most cases, summer itch will clear up on its own with the use of over-the-counter products like Dermeleve, but there are some itchy situations that require professional care. If you notice any of the following red flags related to summer itch, it’s time to consult a dermatologist:

• Spreading rash or hives.
• Oozing skin or signs of infection such as pus, redness, or fever.
• Swelling and inflammation.
• Itch persisting a week or longer without improvement.
• You’re unable to pinpoint the cause of itch or prevent recurring flareups.

Know Your Itch and Seek the Right Treatment – Right Away!

Knowing how to react when summer itch strikes is essential. In addition to fighting summer itch, don’t forget your summer skin-saving staples like:

• Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and reapplying every two hours as needed.
• Wearing UPF clothing when hiking or gardening to prevent sun exposure as well as reducing skin exposure to environmental irritants.
• Rinsing off after swimming in lakes and oceans.
• Minimizing your skincare routine, especially by removing those products with harsh exfoliants, alcohol-based formulas, or heavy fragrance that can increase skin irritation.
• Drinking plenty of water to keep skin and body hydrated.
• Stocking up on Dermeleve, your new go-to anti-itch cream, with your other summer essentials.

Explore Dermeleve Available at DermSkincare

Try dermatologist-developed Dermeleve Cream for fast, long-lasting summer itch relief. Explore DermSkincare for more essential products to build your summertime skincare routine. Interested in learning more about skin health? Read our blog for tips and tricks.