Sunburn & Eczema
Most people have experienced a sunburn at one time or another. Excessive exposure in the sun can result in a painful burn. People who also suffer from skin diseases such as eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, may benefit from sunlight; however, an excess amount of sun can be damaging.
-
Symptoms of a Sunburn
-
Sunburn symptoms include redness, swelling or pain and tenderness at the sunburn location. In addition, you may experience headache, fever or fatigue.
Complications of a Sunburn
-
Serious complications from a sunburn include infection, eye damage or skin cancer. Sunburns, as the result of too much exposure to the sun, may also make you appear older than you are as they causes deep wrinkles and dry, rough skin.
-
Eczema Flare-ups
-
Eczema flare-ups may occur for several reasons. Common triggers include allergens in the air or allergies to food or dust.
Symptoms of Eczema
-
People with eczema have dry, inflamed, itchy, red or infected skin.
Connection
-
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, people with chronic eczema may benefit from ultraviolet light (UVB) if other therapy treatments are not working. UVB is sunlight that is invisible to the eye. Although some UVB light is beneficial to people with eczema, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it is the chief cause of sunburn if exposure is too high. Although, a sunburn can make eczema symptoms such as itching worsen, limited exposure to ultraviolet light can improve eczema. According to Infants Eczema, "UV light attacks the T-cells within the skin; this can reduce the redness of the eczema. UVB light also 'burns' off many of the scales caused by the condition. This is why patients with eczema can actually benefit from sunlight exposure."
-
References
- Photo Credit Sun image by KPICKS from Fotolia.com
