Struggling to get a good night's sleep, battling the constant urge to scratch yourself in front of people, and having to give up wearing your favourite clothes, jewellery, or make-up as it constantly feels itchy, could all be signs of eczema.

That's the reality for many residents in the UAE who suffer from this chronic skin condition that becomes especially unbearable during the hot summer months.

According to Weqaya UAE, the official government portal for health and safety, eczema affects 24 per cent of adolescents and 11 per cent of adults in the country, significantly impacting their daily lives.

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Eczema, or atopic dermatitis-the most common type-is part of a group of seven inflammatory skin conditions. It causes dry, scratchy, red, and scaly patches that can blister or ooze in severe cases. Though not contagious, the condition can deeply affect a person's quality of life.

For Shilpa Sharma, 40, the battle has been ongoing.
“I keep ignoring these red marks around my neck. But every year, for a couple of years now, like clockwork, they return - red, itchy, and stubborn. It always starts with a mild irritation, and before I know it, I'm losing sleep, avoiding certain clothes, and feeling constantly self-conscious. It's more than just a skin issue - it affects how I live day to day. I've come to realise it's eczema, triggered every summer by the heat and humidity,” she said.

And she's not alone.

“I try to wear loose clothes, stay in air-conditioned rooms, and avoid scratching,” said Majd Khoury, 34, a long-time Dubai resident.“But it's hard. Sometimes, even my jewelry or sunscreen makes it worse.”

Meanwhile, doctors across the UAE are reporting a noticeable spike in eczema cases as temperatures exceed 45°C. They point to common summer triggers such as sweat, heat retention, dry indoor air, and certain fabrics.

“Cases of eczema have increased since the beginning of summer in UAE,” said Dr Ragini Rajan, Specialist Dermatology, Aster Clinic, Al Nahda & King Faisal Road, Sharjah.

“The most common types that we see are atopic eczema in children and sweat retention syndrome with eczematisation in adults. Sweat, tight-fitting clothes, and heat-retaining fabrics are typical culprits.”

Rajan added that eczema often appears in body folds where sweat accumulates-such as the neck, elbows, knees, and inner thighs.“It may start as an itchy rash and then spread. Continuous scratching can cause open wounds and oozing,” she said.

Dr Rawand Badran, Specialist Dermatology, Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Zeina, echoed these concerns.

“Heat-induced eczema tends to flare more in areas where sweat and friction build up, like behind the knees, on the neck, in elbow folds, and underarms. What makes it especially challenging is the constant switch between hot, humid weather outdoors and cold, dry air indoors due to air conditioning. This change disrupts the skin barrier and makes it harder to retain moisture,” she explained.

Doctors emphasise preventive care and consistent skin routines as crucial in managing eczema, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

Dr Sara Iakovou, Dermatologist at Quttainah Specialized Hospital, Dubai, said,“To minimize flare-ups keep the skin well-moisturized using fragrance-free, ceramide-based emollients multiple times a day, especially after showers. Wear light, breathable, cotton fabrics that reduce sweating and prevent skin irritation. Use lukewarm water instead of hot showers and limit time in the shower to prevent further skin dryness. Opt for gentle, pH-balanced cleansers instead of regular soap. Use fans or air purifiers instead of lowering the AC too much to maintain a more balanced humidity level indoors.”

She added,“Apply barrier creams before swimming to protect the skin from chlorine exposure. Drinking sufficient water helps maintain overall skin hydration. Keep indoor spaces clean and free of dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Always carry your usual skincare products to avoid reactions from unfamiliar products.”

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