Eczema treatment: Does sun exposure help or hurt?

Does sun exposure improve eczema?

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Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence Gibson, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Sun exposure, or light therapy, has been used for decades as an eczema treatment. Many people see an improvement in their eczema with sun exposure — especially those with certain forms of atopic eczema. However, sun exposure may worsen and even trigger other forms of eczema. In addition, long-term sun exposure has many harmful effects, including premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.

For these reasons, it is important to consult your doctor before using sun exposure for eczema treatment. Your doctor can advise you on possible advantages and disadvantages of sun exposure in your specific situation.