"Feeling Like You're in Water All Day": How Sweat and Friction During Monsoon Season Weaken Skin — What Happens If You Ignore It [Kok! Health Column]

Moisture and Friction in Skin Folds Can Worsen Symptoms

Protect the Skin Barrier with Lukewarm Showers and Moisturizers

See a Dermatologist if Itching or Rash Persists

This is the season when increased sweating and prolonged skin dampness are common due to hot weather. Combined with strong ultraviolet rays, frequent showers, and the use of air conditioning—which can further dry out the skin—the skin barrier can weaken, leading to eczema or worsening existing symptoms. Therefore, special care is required.

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Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by an overreaction to external stimuli when the skin barrier is damaged. Typical symptoms include itching, red rashes, skin dryness, and flakiness. In severe cases, oozing or cracking can also occur. Symptoms can further intensify during summer as sweating and sebum secretion increase and skin friction becomes more frequent.

Eczema tends to develop or worsen in areas where sweat remains for long periods or where the skin folds and friction is repeated. Common sites that require extra care include the inside of the elbows, behind the knees, underarms, neck, and inner thighs.

The inside of the elbows and behind the knees are areas where the skin folds, causing humidity and heat to accumulate easily. The underarms and inner thighs are representative areas where both sweating and skin friction occur, which makes them prone to continuous irritation during walking or exercise. As a result, symptoms such as itching, stinging, and redness may appear. In severe cases, the skin can become raw or inflammation can worsen.

Additionally, wearing tight clothing or garments with poor ventilation while sweating can further aggravate skin irritation. Although sweat itself is not a direct cause of eczema, it can remain on the skin for an extended period, weakening the skin barrier and increasing sensitivity to external stimuli, thereby worsening the condition.

During summer, it is important not to leave sweat on the skin for long periods. If you sweat heavily, wash it off as soon as possible or gently wipe it with a soft towel to maintain skin cleanliness. When showering, use lukewarm water for a short duration to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils, and opt for mild, non-irritating cleansers.

After showering, it is crucial to apply moisturizer generously before skin moisture evaporates to maintain the skin barrier. Especially for areas prone to eczema, it is important to use moisturizer consistently, even if no symptoms are present. Wearing cotton clothes that absorb sweat well and allow for good ventilation, as well as choosing comfortable clothing that minimizes skin friction, can also help prevent eczema.

The healthier the skin barrier, the greater the defense against external stimuli, thereby reducing the risk of developing or recurring eczema. Conversely, repeatedly ignoring symptoms or relying solely on home remedies can severely damage the skin barrier, so caution is needed.

Kim Daehyun, Professor of Dermatology at Korea University Anam Hospital, advised, "If a damaged skin barrier is neglected, inflammation can persist, creating a vicious cycle in which symptoms easily recur or worsen with even minor irritation. Therefore, if itching or rashes recur or persist, it's important not to depend solely on self-treatment. Instead, verify the exact cause through a dermatologist and receive continuous, appropriate treatment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.