Is the Sun Good For Eczema?

If you are wondering, is sun good for eczema? The answer to the question is as unique as you are.

In some people sunlight can be beneficial for eczema also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), bringing relief and comfort. Yet for others, sun and heat are an eczema trigger and can make the condition worse.

Is the Sun Good for Eczema?

The good news is that most eczema patients in widespread studies have experienced an alleviation of eczema symptoms, reduced inflammation, and neutralize bacteria/viruses/fungi on the skin after a dose of sun exposure.

According to the National Eczema Association, a moderate amount of UVB rays enhances the skin barrier function and antimicrobial defense of the skin.

Pros

Vitamin D

Although it is not entirely clear why sunlight helps relieve eczema (atopic dermatitis), some science points to vitamin D. By increasing vitamin D production, sunlight indirectly increases the production of an amino acid in the skin that triggers the body’s natural immune response and strengthens the skin barrier function.

Dry-Out Oozing 

In some cases, eczema may experience blisters that may ooze or weep. The sun exposure can help dry out these blisters but make sure to only spend a limited amount of time in the sun.

Decrease Stress

Stress is also a trigger for eczema flare-ups and some people might feel relaxed by going out in the sun or to the beach. 

Reduced inflammation

Many studies have shown that exposure to sunlight reduces inflammation on the skin. Exposure to UV rays releases nitric oxide in the blood which triggers the release of T-cells in the body. These cells cause an anti-inflammatory response by controlling the over active immune system. 

Phototherapy for Eczema

Phototherapy is a type of eczema treatment. When the first line treatments are improving eczema a dermatologist may prescribe phototherapy or light therapy. In this, UVB light is used to reduce inflammation, itching, and irritation.

Cons

Sunburns

Staying out in the sun for too long can cause sunburns and rashes, which can make the skin more prone to developing eczema. Exposure to the sun can be more harmful for babies and kids as they are more prone to sunburn and there are chances they may also develop heat rash and miliaria. 

Sweating

Sweating is a common trigger for eczema. Sweating from staying out in the sun will further irritate the skin and can lead to other skin conditions and infections.

Heat and Itching

Sun tends to make skin dry which can lead to itching and irritation. For people with eczema, it can cause intense itching and a severe urge to scratch it.

Can Sun Cause Eczema?

If your eczema happens to be a case of contact dermatitis, I’ve got great news!  More often than not, you may find an improvement in your skin after sun exposure.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are those with photosensitive eczema, also known as photodermatitis. It’s a rare form of eczema specifically triggered by the sun. For you, sun exposure is extremely limited, and I’d likely prescribe Vitamin D. Fortunately as a pediatrician, I very rarely see cases of photosensitive eczema, which would be especially awful for my patients living in hot and sunny Texas.

To learn more about the causes of eczema read our blog here.

Eczema and Sunscreens

What are the best sunscreens for eczema? Glad you asked! Just like shampoos and moisturizers, the sunscreen an eczema patient chooses has to be carefully chosen for purity and be fragrance-free.

Here’s more food for thought as you go about figuring out “which” sunscreen to choose:

There are CHEMICAL sunscreens and MINERAL sunscreens.

• People with eczema must choose mineral sunscreen.

• Choose a sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide. It offers additional protections for sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin like those with a tendency to develop Melasma (hyperpigmentation).
• Use a formula of at least 30 SPF with broad-spectrum protection (both UVA and UVB rays). 
•  If the sun is making your eczema feel better, that’s wonderful, but remember “more” is not necessarily better. Sun damage is still sun damage.
• Make sure your sunscreen is fragrance-free and free from any harsh chemicals that might irritate your skin.
• Do a test over a small area of the skin before applying it over the entire body. 

How to Apply

• Apply a moisturizing eczema cream half an hour before applying the sunscreen.
• Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
• If you go swimming or are sweating, reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours or right after swimming.
• Always store your sunscreen away from direct sunlight.

Protecting Eczema-prone Skin in the Sun

• Spend a limited amount of time in the sunlight about 10 to 30 minutes.
• Avoid the sun when the UV rays are strongest between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• Protect your body from sweating as the sweat may exacerbate your eczema.
• Take a quick, cool shower to soothe your skin and wash away sweat, chlorine, water, pollen, or other potential triggers. 
• Make sure you use a daily eczema shampoo and body wash to cleanse your skin.
• Gently pat yourself dry.
• Moisturize your skin immediately after a bath with a moisturizing cream for eczema.
• Dress in loose clothing made of all-natural fibers like cotton, it will help keep you cool, enhancing your comfort during your outing.
• Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Apply sunscreen before going out in direct sunlight.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. I encourage my eczema patients to monitor themselves (or their child, if they’re the parent of an eczema kid). How does their skin react to sun exposure for 10 to 15 minutes? After an hour?  After an entire day at the beach?

Don’t overdo it, follow sensible sun care applicable to everyone, and you might happily discover that summer is your skin’s favorite season after all.

Conclusion

The sun can be good for your eczema and help provide relief but it depends from person to person how their skin reacts and what type of eczema are they experiencing. Sun has been beneficial for a lot of eczema patients. So consult your doctor, as a bit of sun exposure might do good for your body.

But make sure you don’t stay out in the sun for too long and protect your skin with sunscreen. If you are searching for relief from eczema try incorporating the following into your daily skincare routine.

• A daily eczema shampoo and body wash like Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo and Body Wash for Dry, Itchy, Eczema Prone Skin helps cleanse the skin without irritating it
• A hypoallergenic eczema cream like Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream for Eczema keeps your skin hydrated all day long and soothes the itching and irritation.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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