Quick answer: Children with eczema can swim, play sport and enjoy holidays like everyone else, with a few precautions. Apply moisturiser before swimming, then rinse off and moisturise again straight afterwards.¹ Keep your child cool, as overheating can make eczema itchier.² Protect their skin from the sun with clothing, a hat and shade, plus SPF 50+ sunscreen for children over six months.³ During a severe or weeping flare, take a short break from swimming and sport.⁴
Holiday activities with eczema at a glance
| Activity | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Pool swimming | Moisturiser all over | Rinse with fresh water, pat dry, moisturise within 3 minutes |
| Beach and ocean | Moisturiser, plus sun protection | Rinse off salt and sand, then wash gently and moisturise at home |
| Sport and running games | Loose, breathable clothing; play in cooler hours | Lukewarm shower, then moisturise |
| Grass and sandpit play | Loose long sleeves and pants | Rinse or wash the skin, then moisturise |
| Travel | Pack skincare, prescriptions and your child's eczema plan | Keep the usual routine going |
Can children with eczema go swimming?
Yes. Swimming is a great activity for children with eczema, partly because it doesn't make them sweat. Chlorinated pools and salt water can dry or irritate the skin in some children, though,¹ so a simple routine helps.
Before swimming:
- Apply moisturiser all over, such as Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream.
- If swimming outdoors, add sun protection (see below).
After swimming:
- Rinse your child's skin well with fresh water as soon as they get out.
- Pat the skin dry gently, and apply moisturiser within three minutes while the skin is still damp.⁴
- Back home, wash with a gentle, soap-free cleanser such as Stelatopia Cleansing Oil, then moisturise generously.
When to skip the pool: keep your child out of the water when their skin is weeping, infected, broken or raw, or during a severe flare.⁴
Outdoor play and sport with eczema
Heat and sweat are the main things to manage. Eczema affects how well the skin controls body temperature, so children with eczema often feel hot, and heat can make their skin itchy.¹
- Dress for play: loose, breathable cotton clothing. Long sleeves and pants help protect the skin when rolling on freshly cut grass or playing in the sandpit.
- Choose cooler times: in summer, plan active play for the morning or late afternoon.
- Manage sweat: blot sweat with a soft cloth, offer plenty of water, and use a cool water spray if your child feels hot.
- After activity: shower your child in lukewarm water as soon as possible, then moisturise.
During a flare, it's best to pause intense sport for a few days. It's a good chance to try quieter activities, such as board games, drawing or craft.
For tips on fabrics, read our guide on what babies with eczema should wear.
Sun protection for eczema-prone skin
Cancer Council recommends sun protection whenever the UV Index is 3 or above, using a combination of clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, shade, sunglasses and sunscreen.³
- Babies under 12 months: keep them out of direct sun when the UV Index is 3 or above.³
- Babies under six months: widespread use of sunscreen isn't generally recommended, as their skin is very sensitive. Rely on clothing, hats and shade instead.³
- Children over six months: use SPF 50 or 50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen as the last line of defence, after clothing, hats and shade.³
- Test it first: try any new sunscreen on a small patch of skin before using it all over.⁵
- Reapply: apply 15 to 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours.⁶
Travelling with eczema-prone skin
Packing checklist:
- your child's usual cleanser and moisturiser, in pump or tube packs, with enough for the whole trip
- any prescribed treatments
- a sunscreen your child has used before
- soft cotton clothing and pyjamas suited to the weather
Climate changes: hot, humid destinations can increase sweating and itch, while cold, dry climates, air conditioning and plane cabins can dry the skin. Moisturise more often while you adjust.
Staying with family or friends: look out for common triggers, such as pets in bedrooms, woollen blankets or perfumed laundry products. For more tips, read our guide to reducing eczema triggers at home.
Frequently asked questions about eczema, swimming and holidays
Is the pool or the ocean better for eczema?
It varies from child to child. Chlorine and salt water can both dry the skin, while some children find the water soothing. Whichever you choose, rinse with fresh water and moisturise straight afterwards.¹
Can my child swim during an eczema flare?
Not if the skin is weeping, infected, broken or raw, or the flare is severe.⁴ Wait until the skin has settled, then follow the before-and-after routine above.
What sunscreen is best for eczema-prone skin?
For children over six months, choose an SPF 50 or 50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen,³ ideally a fragrance-free formula for sensitive skin. Always patch test a new sunscreen first.⁵
Does sweat make eczema worse?
Heat and sweat can make eczema itchier.¹ Dress your child in light cotton layers, plan active play for cooler parts of the day, and shower and moisturise after sport.
References
- KidsHealth NZ (with Starship Children's Hospital). Eczema – caring for your child's skin.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Caring for your child's eczema.
- Cancer Council Australia. Sun protection and babies.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Will swimming in a pool trigger my child's eczema?
- Cancer Council SA. Sun protection for babies and toddlers.
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Australian Government). Sun and heat protection for babies and kids.
- ASCIA. ASCIA Action Plan for Eczema (2024).
This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, paediatrician or dermatologist about your child's skin.
