Eczema flare caused by sun exposure?

[bobbypea]

Hi, has my flare been caused by sun exposure or the very high temperatures we have been having?
I have tried using Dermol cream to keep moisturised and using eumovate cream to calm it but it seems to have spread. the flare has lasted over a week now. could it be a skin infection on top of the eczema?
it is on my arms chest and around my eyes, upper and lower lids.

[Dr Anjali Mahto]

Dear BobbyPea,

Many thanks for your question. For the vast majority of people, some sunlight can help eczema - which is why it is often better in the summer and worse in the winter. It is also one of the reasons why dermatologists use artificial light treatment or phototherapy to treat eczema. However, it is not a case of one size fits all, and it is possible that heat and sunny temperatures can aggravate eczema in a smaller number of people. It is hard to comment on whether you have active infection or not and i would highly recommend you see a GP or dermatologist for assessment of this.

I hope that helps and best wishes,

Anjali