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Sun eczema
Sun eczema
Solar eczema is an allergic reaction to areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight. Solar eczema can be triggered by sunlight itself, or be a combination of sunlight and ingredients from substances we have ingested or smeared on ourselves.
What is solar eczema?
Solar eczema is when you get a rash or bothersome itching/tingling in the skin after you have been exposed to sunlight. Solar eczema is also called sun allergy, because it is probably an allergic reaction triggered by the UV rays hitting the skin.
Sun eczema does not increase the risk of skin cancer , but is experienced as very troublesome for many.
Causes of solar eczema
Both UVA and UVB rays can cause sun eczema, but the cause of this allergic reaction is not known. Solar eczema is most frequently triggered by UVA rays, high UVA protection is therefore important. Fair skin is more prone to sun eczema than other skin types. Solar eczema can be triggered by:
Ingredients in creams, lotions, perfumes or other things that come into direct contact with the skin.
Sunlight alone.
Medicines (some medicines can make you more sensitive to sunlight).
Symptoms of solar eczema
Solar eczema can appear anywhere from a few hours to two days after you have been exposed to sunlight. Solar eczema is always "suspected" if the rash is only localized to skin areas that have been exposed to light (v-neck, t-shirt sleeves, etc.). The rash itself can vary in appearance (often very red), so localization is crucial. Solar eczema can also cause itching.
Solar eczema in children
Sun eczema is as common in children as in adults. Some will get rid of sun eczema in adulthood, while others will experience challenges with this throughout their lives.
In children with solar eczema who itch a lot, the rash can more easily develop into open, oozing wounds and infections. It is therefore extra important to take good care of the wound and clean it , if the solar eczema develops into larger wounds.
Children with sun eczema should use UV protection , a sun hat and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor , to minimize the sun's rays on their sensitive skin.
Duration of solar eczema
Sun eczema usually goes away on its own after a couple of days, and very rarely becomes chronic.
Solar eczema on the face
It is not common to get solar eczema on the face. This is probably because the face is exposed to UV rays all year round, and is therefore hardened against the sun's rays.
What helps with sun eczema?
Sun eczema is easy to get several times. Therefore, it is very important for those who have had sun eczema to be extra careful with good sun protection, the choice of sun cream and gradual adaptation to the sun.
Avoid a lot of sun in spring and early summer. Give your skin time to get used to the sun.
Protect yourself from the sun with clothing, sunscreen (at least SPF 30) and avoid the sun in the middle of the day. This sunscreen from Aco has been specially developed for sun-sensitive skin.
Change sun cream if you have previously developed sun eczema from the sun cream.
Sun cream for sun eczema
It is important to use sunscreen to protect against the sun's harmful rays, and sunscreen itself can protect against sun eczema. If you experience sun eczema when using sunscreen, it may be a good idea to try another sunscreen, preferably a sunscreen that is adapted to sensitive skin . Sunscreen with a physical filter can also be a good tip, as such creams do not absorb into the skin, but instead act as a physical barrier over the skin.
Treatment of solar eczema
The purpose of treating sun eczema is to alleviate the symptoms and prevent the eczema from returning.
Feel free to use cooling local treatment (for example aloe vera or cold compresses).
Soothing ointments/creams can relieve sun eczema.
Local anesthetic ointments/liniments reduce pain and itching (be aware that these can cause contact allergies).
Avoid exposing skin affected by solar eczema to more sun.
Ointment or cream with hydrocortisone 1% can be applied morning and evening for a few days until the eczema is gone (e.g. 2-3 days).
If it is suspected that the sun eczema is caused by something smeared on the skin or ingested, this should be avoided further. If it concerns medicine, it is very important that you agree with the doctor whether you should stop or continue taking the medicine.
When should you contact a doctor for sun eczema?
If the sun eczema does not disappear
If the eczema is so itchy that the skin is scratched so that an infection occurs (red, hot, swollen and oozing skin)
Sources: Norwegian electronic medical handbook and Norwegian health informatics for healthcare personnel.