How Sun Exposure May Help Soothe Eczema Symptoms

As you can see in our Eczema 101 Resource Guide, more than 30 million Americans are afflicted with the skin condition known as atopic dermatitis. Approximately 30 percent of those people have moderate to severe eczema. Dermatologists have been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of AD, however, folks in the medical community agree that it stems from a combination of genetics, immune system dysfunction, environmental exposures, and other conditions in everyday life. It’s important to know that eczema flare-ups typically results in inflamed dry, red, swollen, and cracked skin accompanied by a nagging itch. In some instances, an eczema rash will be weeping with clear fluid may come from the affected areas. Because there is no cure at the moment, those who have eczema are forced to manage the symptoms as best they can. Just recently, though, allergies expert Daniel More, MD indicated that exposure to sunlight may alleviate some of the challenges that come with eczema. Keep reading to learn more.

Eczema Therapy and Sunlight

More mentions in this article from VeryWell that vitamin D may play a role in helping those with AD. For one, he says, natural sun exposure leads to vitamin D production in the skin. He goes on to explain that oral vitamin D increases the production of cathelicidin? What’s cathelicidin, you might ask? Well, it’s a protein that shields the skin from virus infections, bacteria, as well as fungi in healthy skin. Interestingly, people with AD have low amounts of cathelicidin, resulting in possible colonization and infection of the skin. Not surprisingly, some people with AD enjoy symptom relief with moderate amounts of sun exposure.

Dermatologists have been known to use ultraviolet therapy in order to treat eczema in young people. However, we aren’t advocating letting your child lay out in the sun all day, let alone encouraging them to use dangerous tanning beds. Be sure to check with your child’s doctor before considering vitamin D dietary supplements. Keep in mind, also, that more studies need to be done with this subject matter.

Eczema Treatments Worth Trying

Even if you get the green light from a medical professional to pursue vitamin D supplementation for your child, it should only be part of the eczema treatment regimen. There’s no doubt that eczema care requires a combination of natural therapies for best results. Here are several things to try with your child:

• Behavioral modifications - Bath time should be limited to about 10 minutes. Make sure that the water isn’t too hot and avoid adding bubble bath or fragrance-scented soaps. Soon after your child gets out of the tub, remember to moisturize.
• Avoid known triggers whenever possible - Should they have a food allergy, be systematic about what you give them. The most common offenders include eggs, milk, soy, wheat, peanuts, etc. Because every child reacts differently to food allergies, consider keeping a journal. As a parent, the last thing you want is to give your child something that causes hives or face swelling. Just don’t exclude multiple food groups at the same time. A fraction of children with eczema become malnourished with prolonged avoidance of many foods. Consult their physician before manipulating diet.
• Control the itching - Your child may find a few seconds of symptom relief by scratching the affected area on their skin. This only worsens eczema, though and can potentially lead to infection. Watch so that their fingernails never get too long so this never happens. An antihistamine can also cut down on the desire to itch.
• Have a plan for stress-causing events - Every child is forced to cope with a stressful situation on a somewhat regular basis. Those with eczema, however, struggle in coping with them without a flare-up occurring. Parents may want to talk with a clinician who specializes in mindfulness.     
• Provide them with soft, breathable clothing - Fabrics of wool, nylon, or other stiff material do anything but help the skin of a child with eczema. Soothems garments, on the other hand, reduce itchiness by protecting moisture levels of the skin, controlling bacteria growth, and soothing the skin. The yarns of the smart fabric in Soothems garments are soft, pliable, symmetrically rounded, smooth, and friction-free to reduce chafing.

It’s no wonder so many parents are choosing Soothems therapeutic clothing for eczema. From eczema suits and eczema sleeves, we have just what your needs. Shop Soothems for eczema clothing.