Sunscreen for eczema: Tips for sun safety and FAQs Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about sunscreen for eczemaMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Sasha Santhakumar on September 30, 2022Sunscreens are a type of topical product that help prevent ultraviolet (UV) light from penetrating the skin and causing skin changes. Some sunscreens may not be suitable for people with eczema. Eczema is an umbrella term that healthcare professionals use to describe a number of skin conditions that result in skin inflammation, itching, and irritation. This article explores what eczema and sunscreen are and which sunscreens are suitable for eczema. It also discusses tips for sun safety and answers some common questions about sunscreen and eczema. What is eczema Share on PinterestCarol Yepes/Getty ImagesDoctors often use the term eczema to describe a group of conditions, but some people may use the word to refer to a specific type of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis. A person with eczema is more likely to have a dysfunctional skin barrier, which may be due to genetics. If the skin barrier is ineffective in keeping water within the skin, it leads to dry skin. Eczema may also lead to the skin becoming more prone to infections. An overactive immune system may also play a role in eczema when irritants and allergens come into contact with a person’s skin. There are many types of eczema, including:Atopic dermatitis: A chronic skin condition that results in the skin becoming inflamed, red, and irritated. A person may experience itchy skin, and frequent scratching may lead to skin cracking and clear fluid weeping from the skin. Contact dermatitis: This type of eczema occurs when a substance irritates a person’s skin or causes an allergic skin reaction.Dyshidrotic eczema: This form of eczema results in small, extremely itchy blisters on the hands or feet. These blisters may last for 3–4 weeks before going away.Hand eczema: This type of eczema results in the skin of the hands becoming dry, thick, and scaly. A person may experience deep, painful cracks in the hands that can bleed.Neurodermatitis: This form of eczema starts with an itch that progresses to itchy patches of skin that may thicken when a person keeps scratching them.Nummular eczema: This type of eczema typically occurs on the forearms, legs, or back of the hands. Symptoms include small bumps and sores that resemble blisters and raised spots that have a coin shape.Stasis dermatitis: This form of eczema occurs in people with poor blood flow. It typically appears in the lower legs and near the ankles but may occur in other areas too. What is sunscreen Sunscreens are topical treatments that are important for protecting the skin from the sun’s rays. They contain chemicals that absorb or reflect and scatter ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) light. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) light, which is able to penetrate the outer layer of skin and cause skin changes. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA light may cause skin aging, whereas UVB light can cause skin burning. There are two types of sunscreen ingredients that provide sun protection: Physical ingredients and chemical ingredients. Physical ingredients include minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which block and scatter UV light. Chemical ingredients include octisalate and avobenzone, which absorb UV light. Sunscreens typically have a sun protection factor (SPF) number. This number indicates the length of time it would take for the sun’s UVB light to redden the skin if a person uses sunscreen compared to the length of time if a person does not use sunscreen. For example, a sunscreen with an SPF number of 50 indicates that it would take 50 times longer to redden the skin compared to if a person does not use sunscreen. Regular and daily use of sunscreen with a minimum SPF number of 15 may lower the risk of squamous cell carcinoma development by approximately 40% and the risk of melanoma development by 50%. Which sunscreen is suitable for eczema A person with eczema should select a sunscreen that is fragrance-free to help prevent irritation or an allergic reaction. The sunscreen should also provide broad-spectrum protection, which means that the sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB light. It should also have an SPF of 30 or higher and contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. A person should also check the list of ingredients in sunscreen and consult a healthcare professional to ensure that they are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Learn more about some of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin here. Tips for sun safety There are other tips that a person can follow to protect their skin from sun damage. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the following practices:avoiding the sun and seeking shade during the hours of 10 a.m.–2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongestwearing clothing that is sun-protective, such as:lightweight and long-sleeved shirts pantssunglassesa wide-brimmed hatapplying sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and with an SPF of 30 or morereapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, or after sweating or swimming The AAD recommends that a person use at least one ounce, or about a shot glass full, of sunscreen to cover their entire body. A person should apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of the skin. Frequently asked questions Below are some of the most common questions and answers about sunscreen and eczema. Can sunscreen make eczema worse Both physical and chemical sunscreens are safe and effective. However, chemical sunscreens may be more likely to cause skin irritation than physical sunscreens. A person should therefore consult their doctor about the most suitable sunscreen option for them. Is sunscreen necessary for eczema Sunburn can trigger eczema. Therefore, sun protection is vital for a person with eczema. A person with eczema should ensure that they find a suitable sunscreen that will not trigger eczema and still provide adequate sun protection. A 2021 study found that UV radiation from the sun may make certain types of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis, worse. The authors noted that appropriate sunscreens with moisturizing properties may provide adequate sun protection as well as reduce inflammation and relieve itching in eczema. Is zinc oxide good for eczema Zinc oxide is a chemical substance that has soothing and protective properties. It is an active ingredient in physical sunscreens as it reflects UV radiation. A person may also find it in topical treatments for eczema. A 2017 study found that a combination of zinc oxide with other ingredients such as glycyrrhetinic acid and bisabolol in a cream significantly reduced participants’ total eczema severity scores. Summary Eczema indicates a group of skin conditions that result in itchy, inflamed, and dry skin. Different types of eczema exist, including atopic dermatitis, hand eczema, and neurodermatitis. Sunscreen is a topical treatment that provides protection against UV radiation. A person with eczema should use sunscreen because sunburn can trigger eczema. People with eczema need to ensure that the sunscreen they use is fragrance-free and does not contain ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction or cause irritation. A doctor can help a person find out if they are allergic to any ingredients and which sunscreens are best for them. Last medically reviewed on September 30, 2022Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema 21 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Atopic dermatitis. (2019).https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitisChien, A., et al. (2021). UV radiation & your skin.https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/Dry, scaly, and painful hands could be hand eczema. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/hand-eczemaEczema resource center. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczemaEczema types: Stasis dermatitis causes. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/stasis-dermatitis/causesEczema types: Stasis dermatitis overview. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/stasis-dermatitisGabros, S., et al. (2022). Sunscreens and photoprotection.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537164/How can I find eczema friendly products? (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/triggers/friendly-productsHow to apply sunscreen. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreenLicari, A., et al. (2017). A starch, glycyrretinic, zinc oxide and bisabolol based cream in the treatment of chronic mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in children: A three-center, assessor blinded trial [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29181960/Ludmann, P. (2020). Eczema types: Contact dermatitis overview.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitisLudmann, P. (2020). Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema overview.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/dyshidrotic-eczemaLudmann, P. (2021). Eczema types: Neurodermatitis overview.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/neurodermatitisLudmann, P. (2021). Eczema types: Neurodermatitis signs and symptoms.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/neurodermatitis/symptomsLudmann, P. (2021). Eczema types: Nummular eczema causes.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/nummular-dermatitis/causesLudmann, P. (2021). Eczema types: Nummular eczema signs & symptoms.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/nummular-dermatitis/symptomsNemeth, V., et al. (2021). Eczema.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/Piquero-Casals, J., et al. (2021). The role of photoprotection in optimizing the treatment of atopic dermatitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8019014/Practice safe sun. (2022).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/practice-safe-sunRichard, E. (2022). All about sunscreen.https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/Zinc oxide. (n.d.).https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/ZINC-oxideFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Sasha Santhakumar on September 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about photosensitive dermatitisMedically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Photosensitive dermatitis causes skin inflammation after exposure to sunlight or some types of artificial light. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and…READ MOREWhat to know about sunscreen allergyMedically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD Some people may experience an allergic reaction when using sunscreens that contain certain chemicals. Learn more about this type of allergy here.READ MOREWhich sunscreen should I use?Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP We know we need sun protection to prevent damage from harmful UV rays, but how do we choose the right one? Learn what sunscreen labels mean, including…READ MOREEczema: New drug reduces symptoms by 75% in infants and young children In a recent clinical trial, researchers said the new drug dupilumab was effective in reducing eczema symptoms in young childrenREAD MORECan zinc oxide creams and supplements help eczema? Zinc deficiency has links to eczema, and people can use zinc oxide creams to treat eczema patches. Learn more.READ MORE