sunscreen for eczema

[Kirstyk33]

I have suffered from atopic eczema all my life,when I am in the sun my skin blisters and flares up. What kind of sunscreen should I use? I am due to start azathoripine as well.

[sunny81]

I would also like to know as going on holiday soon

Thanks

[Nurse Saskia Reeken]

Dear Kirsty and Sunny

It is not easy to find a sunscreen when you have eczema that will suit your skin. The National Eczema Society have excellent info sheet on the various sun screens and the chemicals they contain. I did try to attach the info sheet but was unable to, however you can find this on their website (www.eczema.org). You will look at similar things as when you choose an emollient, often useful to try any new product on a small area of the arm for 24hrs prior to using it on the rest of the body.Don't forget there are other ways to protect your skin from the sun, such as seeking the shade, avoiding the sun between the hours of 11-3 and covering up with loose clothing/ hat/shades, the overall aim is to prevent burning of the skin. Sometimes sun screens give people a false sense of security, prolonging the time they stay out in the sun.

Hope this helps & have a good summer

Saskia Reeken

[Nurse Deborah Mills]

Hello,
Try using a sun screen for sensitive skin with a high protection factor of 25+
You may be contact allergic,so try applying a small amount onto a small patch of covered skin, (for example inner forearm)twice a day for 3 days. If you have a reaction then visit your G.P who may refer you to a dermatologist who may organise for you to have Patch testing
kind regards
Deborah Mills