Eczema and sun cream
Like everyone else, people who have eczema should protect their skin from the sun’s rays during the warmer months. However some people with eczema find sun cream makes their symptoms worse. If you’re affected, ask your pharmacist to
recommend a low-allergen, non-perfumed sun cream designed for people with sensitive skin, and test it first by applying it to a small area. Apply it 30 minutes after you’ve used your other skincare products (emollients or other moisturisers, for instance). Also try to remember to keep reapplying your sunscreen at regular intervals whenever you’re exposed to the summer sun, especially after swimming. Use a sun cream has a sun protection factor
(SPF) of at least 15 to protect against UVB, and at least four-star UVA protection. Also ask your pharmacist about sun cream products that protect against infrared A (IR-A) rays, which can also damage your skin (see page 20 for more details). Other things you can do to keep your skin
safe include:
• Spending time in the shade (particularly during the hours of 11am - 3pm).
• Covering your skin with clothes as much as possible, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck and ears.
• Drinking plenty of water to stop your skin from becoming dehydrated.
• Take a quick warm shower instead of having a long hot bath.
• Avoid products that contain ingredients such as perfumes and colourants.
• Avoid using all types of soaps – ask your pharmacist about gentler soap substitutes.
• Wear clothes made of natural fibres (cotton and silk, for instance, are ideal, plus they can help you stay cool during the summer months).
eczema you may also experience times when your symptoms improve, followed by periods when they get worse – these are called flare-ups. The good news is your local pharmacist can recommend ways to help you
manage your skin – whether it’s dry or prone to eczema – so you can enjoy your summer.
How to manage dry skin The best way to counteract dry skin is to keep your skin as moisturised as possible, even during the summer when your skin may feel more normal. There are lots of summer-related factors that can have a drying effect on your skin, including air conditioning (especially when you’re flying), chlorine and salt water. Choose a moisturiser formulated for dry skin, and apply several times a day to
help maintain your skin’s hydration levels. Depending on how dry your skin is, you may be able to switch to a lighter skincare product during the summer months – but if your usual moisturiser is leaving your skin feeling dryer than usual you could start using a richer formulation. Meanwhile there are other things you can do that may help give dry skin a summer glow, including the following:
• Use a non-bio washing machine powder or liquid that’s free from perfumes.
Eczema treatments Whatever type of eczema you have, it can affect your self-esteem and confidence, especially at this time of year. So it’s a good idea to speak to your pharmacist or your GP about the treatments that may help keep your skin smooth, supple and moist. These include…
Emollients Also available as lotions, ointments, creams and sprays, plus products you put in the bath, emollients help reduce the amount of moisture lost from your skin. They are designed to be used in liberal amounts every day to protect your skin from becoming too dry. These are most effective when your eczema is under control (that is, they keep your skin from losing too much moisture when it’s relatively healthy).
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