Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy rashes. It affects over 30 million Americans, making it one of the most common skin disorders in the country. While there is no cure for eczema, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. One natural treatment that some people find helpful is sunlight exposure. But is sunlight actually beneficial for eczema sufferers? Here is a detailed look at the evidence.
The Potential Benefits of Sunlight
There are a few ways that sunlight could potentially help improve eczema:
Increasing Vitamin D Levels
Our skin produces vitamin D when exposed to UVB rays in sunlight. Vitamin D is thought to have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Some research has found that eczema patients frequently have low vitamin D levels. Boosting vitamin D through careful sun exposure or supplements could theoretically help reduce inflammation and eczema symptoms.
Killing Bacteria
UVB rays have disinfectant effects and can kill bacteria on the skin that may worsen eczema. Reducing bacterial overgrowth could help calm eczema flare-ups.
Improving Circulation
Sun exposure causes blood vessels in the skin to dilate, increasing blood flow. Enhanced circulation provides more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells and removes waste products. This could aid skin healing.
Relieving Itch
Some people report that sun exposure provides an itch-relieving effect for their eczema. When skin warms, nerve endings become less sensitive, which may temporarily reduce itching. The vitamin D benefits could also decrease inflammation and itching over time.
Stress Relief
Getting outside in the sunshine can boost mood and provide relaxation. Since stress is a common eczema trigger, the stress-busting benefits of sun may be helpful.
Potential Risks of Sunlight
However, sunlight also carries some risks that eczema patients need to consider:
Sunburn
Sunburn can worsen inflammation, irritation, and itching of eczema. Intense UV radiation generates free radicals that damage skin cells. People with eczema skin may be more susceptible to burns.
Skin Cancer
Long-term sun exposure increases skin cancer risk even in healthy individuals. Those with eczema may be at an even greater risk since the skin barrier is already compromised. UV rays can further damage DNA in skin cells.
Heat Rash
Prolonged time in the sun can cause heat rash (miliaria) which looks like tiny itchy bumps. This can occur when sweat ducts get blocked. Heat rash can worsen discomfort of eczema.
Drug Interactions
Some topical steroids and other medications used for treating eczema can increase sun sensitivity. Sun exposure could potentially cause increased side effects.
Infection Risk
Open eczema wounds and cracks are prone to infection. Heat, moisture and sun exposure could increase chances of bacterial or fungal overgrowth.
Allergies
Pollen and other environmental allergens are often higher in the warmer months. Sun exposure could exacerbate allergy-related flares for some eczema patients.
Safety Tips for Sun Exposure
While sunlight has some benefits, precautions are needed to minimize risks:
– Gradually increase sun exposure time to reduce burn risk. Start with just 5-10 minutes.
– Avoid peak UV hours between 10am and 2pm.
– Wear sun-protective clothing like hats, long sleeves and pants.
– Apply broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen to exposed skin. Reapply often.
– Shield eczema areas with bandages and clothing.
– Watch for signs of overheating like dizziness. Take breaks in the shade.
– Stay hydrated by drinking extra water.
– Check for new rashes, irritation and infections after sun exposure.
– Talk to your dermatologist about any concerns with sun exposure.
The Role of Phototherapy
If you want the therapeutic effects of UV light for your eczema without the risks of sun exposure, consider phototherapy. This is an in-office treatment performed under medical supervision. A specialized device emits a narrow ultraviolet band that penetrates skin without burning. Phototherapy helps reduce inflammation and bacteria. Types include:
– Narrow band UVB – Emits wavelengths between 311-313 nanometers. Most common type used for eczema.
– Broad band UVB – Emits wavelengths between 290-320 nanometers.
– UVA – Uses longer UVA wavelengths alone or with medication (PUVA).
Phototherapy is typically done 2-3 times per week in a dermatology clinic. A course of treatments often lasts at least 6-12 weeks. While inconvenient, medical phototherapy offers a more controlled way to harness UV benefits than daily sun exposure.
Sunlight’s Effects on Eczema: The Research
What does the scientific research say about sunlight’s impacts on eczema? The evidence is mixed:
Observational Studies on Sun Exposure
Some population studies have found associations between increased sunlight exposure and lower eczema risk or severity:
– A 2010 study followed over 500 children in Finland for 2 years. More frequent sunscreen use correlated with increased risk of developing eczema.
– A cross-sectional study in Germany observed that severe eczema was more common in winter versus summer months.
– Research in Australia noted that emigrating from higher to lower UV level regions was associated with eczema onset.
However, these types of observational studies cannot prove cause and effect. Confounding variables may be involved.
Clinical Trials on Phototherapy
Multiple clinical trials demonstrate UV phototherapy can improve eczema symptoms:
– A meta-analysis of 18 studies concluded UVB phototherapy significantly reduced eczema severity versus placebo treatments.
– A trial of saltwater baths plus UVB for pediatric eczema found this combination was more effective than UVB alone.
– One study found UVB therapy was as effective for eczema as a strong topical steroid.
While positive, phototherapy benefits required controlled light sources and treatment regimens. Results may not translate to casual daily sun exposure.
Sun Exposure and Vitamin D
A few small studies provide some evidence that vitamin D from sunlight could help eczema:
– A trial giving vitamin D supplements to eczema patients found it decreased symptoms and need for steroids.
– A study in Egypt observed vitamin D levels were lower in severe versus mild eczema patients.
– One study found eczema patients had fewer winter flares after using a UVB light panel at home to maintain vitamin D.
But other studies have failed to find a significant correlation between vitamin D levels and eczema severity. More research is still needed.
| Study Type | Findings on Sunlight & Eczema |
|---|---|
| Observational Studies | Found associations between more sun exposure and lower eczema risk/severity |
| Phototherapy Clinical Trials | Showed UV light therapy improved eczema versus placebo/other treatments |
| Vitamin D Studies | Mixed evidence that vitamin D from sun helped eczema |
Conclusion
Based on the current evidence, it appears sunlight has the potential to provide some benefits for eczema sufferers. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of UV radiation may help calm flare-ups. Raising vitamin D levels also shows therapeutic promise. However, uncontrolled sun exposure carries substantial risks like burns, heat rash and skin cancer. Light therapy under medical guidance is likely a safer option for harnessing benefits while minimizing harms. More research is still needed to clarify optimal sunlight parameters and effects on different eczema subtypes. In general, moderate sun exposure a few times per week alongside other standard eczema treatments may be helpful for some patients under a doctor’s care. But sunlight should be approached with caution and patience rather than as a primary treatment strategy.