Summer time skin

Children's Allergy South West and Dr Hannah Cookson met this week to talk all things Suncream. Having collaborated closely for some time now, they have both been struck by how often sun cream comes up in conversation with children and families with eczema.

Many people will mention that their child is allergic to suncream, which is possible and would need to be diagnosed by patch testing. However, most of the time it is an irritant reaction rather than an allergy per se. Certain suncreams are much better suited to eczema prone skin.

Here are some top tips for Suncream use this summer.

1. For people with certain types of eczema, and specific skin types, can benefit from a little bit of natural sun on their skin. Sometimes we advise small amounts of sunlight on skin outside the stronger sunlight times between 11am-3pm. This can also help with vitamin D production between April and October in the UK.

2. Try for unfrangranced Suncreams such as La Roche Posay and Altruist, which are both excellent and at two different price points (others are available). Make sure to patch test on an inner arm the night before you use a new cream.

3. Get your skin ready for the holiday time. It’s a really good time to do an intensive treatment of the eczema to get it under control so everyone has a happier time on holiday. Use your prescribed treatments intensively as told by your doctor, and remember to moisturise prior to applying sun cream. If your skin is still active or flares in the summer often sun protective clothing is very helpful to reduce the use of sun creams on sore skin.

4. Some eczema is worse in the heat, sweat and sea water - know your triggers and how best to treat and alleviate them before using sun cream.

The most important thing to remember is to have a lovely summer.