Does Sun Exposure Alleviate Eczema Symptoms or Aggravate Them Further?
Hey there, buddy! Got a question about eczema and sun exposure? Here's the lowdown on how to soak up the rays without causing a flare-up.
First off, let's talk what eczema actually is. It's a common skin condition that causes dry, inflamed patches of skin that can be super itchy—and sometimes even painful. Though we're not entirely sure why eczema happens, we do know certain triggers can cause a flare-up, like environmental factors such as the sun.
So, how much sun is good for eczema, and when will sunlight cause you to cross the line from eczema relief into eczema woes? Here are the deets.
Does the sun make eczema worse?
Sunlight won't directly cause eczema, but overexposure might trigger symptoms or make an existing flare-up worse. Getting too much sun can cause inflammation, irritation, or dryness, negatively affecting already itchy or sensitive skin. Sweat and heat caused by fun in the sun can also make eczema itchier or more painful than usual.
On the flip side, not getting enough sunny rays may affect eczema as well. Research suggests that not getting enough vitamin D, which sunlight naturally provides, is linked to developing eczema. Striking a balance between sun exposure and vitamin D intake is key for managing eczema symptoms.
Can the sun help eczema?
While too much sun can trigger a flare-up, getting juuuust enough sunshine may provide sweet relief for eczema-prone skin. Sunlight can help boost your skin's production of vitamin D, a nutrient that's linked to skin health. Research shows that vitamin D plays a vital role in regulating the immune system and improving the function of the skin barrier.
So, getting enough vitamin D through sun exposure may help keep your skin happy and healthy—and potentially itch-free. The secret ingredient here is moderation. Spending time in the great outdoors will give you a sweet infusion of vitamin D, but don't overdo the direct sun exposure.
Some sources indicate that sunlight can help reduce inflammation by triggering the release of nitric oxide, which may improve skin and soothe eczema symptoms. Phototherapy—aka ultraviolet (UV) light therapy—is also occasionally used to treat eczema that doesn't respond to topicals or other treatments. This treatment mimics the effects of the sun by providing concentrated exposure to skin-helping wavelengths of UV light. But phototherapy can come with some gnarly side effects like sunburn, premature skin aging, and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Can sunscreen make eczema worse?
It can be tough to find sunscreen products that won't mess with eczema-prone skin. Different formulas can affect different people, well, differently. To find the best sunscreen for your skin, look for products that are fragrance-free, contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, block both UVA and UVB rays, provide a higher SPF (SPF 30+ for the win!), don't contain a lot of extra ingredients, and aren't super greasy or oily.
Apply your sunscreen liberally, making sure your skin is totally covered, and avoid rubbing it in too vigorously to avoid irritation. Finding the right product for your sun-protection needs may take some trial and error, and you may have to slather on several sunscreens before you find your match.
What about sunburn on eczema?
There's no way to sugarcoat it: sunburn sucks. And if you're dealing with eczema, sunburn can be an even bigger bummer, causing or worsening flare-ups. Sunburn damages your skin and causes raw, red or discolored, painful skin that may swell and itch. This extra dose of inflammation can make dry, itchy, and irritated skin worse, or trigger an eczema flare-up.
If you do get a sunburn, proceed with care! Use gentle moisturizers to soothe irritation, steer clear of further sun exposure, and keep showers or baths cool (not hot!). Talk with your doc if your condition doesn't heal or the affected area becomes worse.
Eczema and sunlight protection tips
You don't have to hide from the sun just because you have eczema. You can still enjoy plenty of fun in the sun! To help protect yourself from the eczema-inducing effects of the sun, follow these tips:
- Keep cool when the weather's hot (a fan or even air conditioning are your BFFs!).
- Avoid direct sunlight and stay shady with umbrellas, hats, and sunglasses.
- Apply SPF 30 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply every 2 hours.
- Cover up by wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Change out of sweaty clothes right away.
- Drink plenty of body and skin hydrating water.
It's also helpful to check with your dermatologist about any medications or treatments you're using that might make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Takeaway
Enjoying some fun in the sun can be great for your mood, but getting too much or too little sunlight can have a direct impact on your skin—especially if you have eczema. The sun provides a skin-soothing dose of vitamin D that might help heal or reduce flare-ups. But too much sun exposure can lead to inflammation, dryness, and itchiness, causing existing eczema flares and triggers. By understanding your skin's response to the sun and following a balanced approach, you can strike the right balance and enjoy some sunny days!
- Excessive exposure to sunlight may trigger symptoms or worsen an existing eczema flare-up, as it can cause inflammation, irritation, or dryness.
- On the other hand, not receiving enough sunlight might affect eczema development, as research suggests a link between under-exposure to sunlight and low levels of vitamin D, which is essential for skin health and immune system regulation.
- Appling the right sunscreen is crucial for individuals with eczema. Look for fragrance-free sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, offer broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays), have an SPF of 30 or higher, and have fewer additives to minimize irritation.
- Sunburn is detrimental to eczema-prone skin, causing further inflammation, redness, pain, and potentially worsening or triggering eczema flare-ups.
- Practicing sensible sun protection strategies like staying cool, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and staying hydrated can help individuals with eczema enjoy the sun while mitigating their condition's adverse effects.
