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Allergies and intolerances

Sun and eczema

8 replies

hayleyhew · 26/10/2006 20:47

Hi all
I have a 17mth old son with atopic eczema. Does anyone out there now if the sun is good for this sort of eczema - getting mixed reports? Thinking, well dreaming about a holiday.

OP posts:

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Blandmum · 26/10/2006 20:53

Mine have always been better in the summer than in the winter, but I think this is one of those things that varies from child to child

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squatchette · 26/10/2006 20:56

Some people do find that uv light from sun or sunlamps helps clear it up .I how ever have always found the opposite it triggers off my eczema without fail.You'd probably have to smother baby in a high SPF too and this in its self can cause discomfort and irritation.
BTW one of the big triggers is diet particularly cows milk and it's derivatives (lactose intollerance).My little girl had bad eczema from head to toe until cutting out all lactose and it's never come back.

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belgianmama · 26/10/2006 22:02

My ds's excema always flares up in summer and goes in winter. I always suspect it's got to do with the sunscreen. But of course I'd rather put sunscreen on him, knowing that it'll cause his exzema to get worse, than running the risk of sun burn or worse skin cancer.
I think the best solution is regular, at least twice daily, moisterising and hydrocortisone when the exzema gets really angry and sore.
My own exzema is not linked to seasons, but to sleep and stress.

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Drusilla · 26/10/2006 22:06

The sun was always good for mine and DS (18 months) seems to be following the same pattern, judging by this year. Also, the sea really does it good!

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eidsvold · 26/10/2006 22:16

have you tried Sunsense suncream - recommended by dermatologists to db. Can buy it online - it is an aussie one. Does not irritate dd2's skin and she seems to have very very dry skin - not quite exzema.

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belgianmama · 26/10/2006 22:30

I'll have to look into that sunscreen. I must say that last winter my dh had to go to Australia (where it was obviously summer) and had brought home Australian sunscreen. I'm sure it was Sunsense and I must admit that that was the best one I'd ever had for my son. I never though of looking to buy it online though. Maybe something to consider for next summer.
I also agree with Drusilla that the sea makes it better.

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Nixz · 26/10/2006 22:55

DD has moderate eczema and it is marvelous in the summer, practically non exsistent.
It is hideous in the winter, really hard to manage

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hayleyhew · 27/10/2006 15:11

Seems its just trial and error then. All different - will let you know how I get on.