Sweltering heat, frequent rain, and suffocating humidity have pushed the discomfort index to high levels in recent days. To escape the oppressive weather, many people keep indoor air conditioners running around the clock.
However, spending prolonged stretches in direct air-conditioned airflow can trigger uncomfortable symptoms affecting both the eyes and skin—with dry eye disease and eczema among the most common summer complaints.
Dry eye disease: When cold air strips the eye's protective film
Dry eye disease occurs when the surface of the eye loses adequate protection due to rapid tear evaporation or decreased tear production. When air conditioning lowers indoor humidity and cold air accelerates tear evaporation on the eye's surface, dry eye symptoms can worsen significantly.
Primary symptoms include a gritty, dry sensation and the feeling of a foreign object trapped in the eye. Eyes may tire easily or become bloodshot, often accompanied by stinging or a sharp, cold sensation. In some cases, severe dryness can reflexively trigger excessive tearing.
"If people dismiss dry eye disease as simple eye fatigue and leave it untreated, it can lead to complications such as corneal damage," warned Woo Sang-eon, a professor of ophthalmology at Soonchunhyang University Hospital. "If symptoms such as dryness or a foreign-body sensation persist for more than two weeks, you should visit an ophthalmology clinic for an accurate diagnosis."
In its early stages, dry eye disease is typically managed with artificial tears to replenish the tear film, alongside anti-inflammatory eye drops if inflammation is present. When the condition stems from dysfunction of the meibomian glands—the oil-secreting glands located in the eyelids—physicians may perform intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to help the glands release oil more effectively.
"Managing daily habits is essential to preventing dry eye disease," Woo emphasized. "When using a smartphone or computer monitor, consciously blinking more often and resting your eyes for 10 minutes after every 50 minutes of screen time can help." He also recommended maintaining indoor humidity between 40% and 60% and avoiding direct airflow from cooling or heating vents.
Summer eczema: Weakened skin barriers and recurring inflammation
Alongside dry eye disease, eczema is another condition requiring heightened vigilance during the summer.
High temperatures and humidity cause heavy sweating, while strong ultraviolet rays, frequent showers, and continuous air conditioning leave the skin vulnerable to dryness. If these conditions persist, the skin barrier weakens, leading to eczema characterized by intense itching, dry skin, flaking, and red rashes.
Eczema most commonly develops in areas where sweat accumulates or where skin folds create friction, such as the inner elbows, behind the knees, the armpits, the neck, and the inner thighs. In severe cases, the skin may crack or ooze.
"If a damaged skin barrier is left untreated, persistent inflammation creates a vicious cycle where symptoms easily recur or worsen even from minor irritation," said Kim Dae-hyun, a professor of dermatology at Korea University Anam Hospital. "If itching or rashes recur or symptoms persist, it is important to visit a hospital to identify the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment."
To help prevent summer eczema, experts advise washing off sweat as soon as possible after heavy sweating and applying a generous amount of moisturizer immediately after showering before moisture evaporates. Wearing breathable cotton clothing that absorbs sweat and choosing comfortable garments that reduce skin friction can also help preserve skin health.
