Can infants with eczema be exposed to sunlight?
My baby just turned one month old and has developed a lot of small rashes on his face. The doctor said it's eczema. I heard that sun exposure is good for eczema, but I'm also worried about sunburning the baby. Can he really be exposed to sunlight? How long is appropriate for each session?
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, direct sun exposure is not recommended for infants with neonatal eczema.
Moderate sunlight exposure is beneficial to the body as it helps in the synthesis of vitamin D, promotes calcium absorption, and enhances immunity. However, excessive sunlight exposure may worsen the condition of neonatal eczema. Ultraviolet rays can irritate the skin, causing dryness and exacerbating eczema symptoms. Moreover, a newborn's skin is very delicate and prone to sunburn when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods. Therefore, direct sunbathing is not recommended for infants with eczema.
If you wish to expose your baby to some sunlight, choose the mild sunlight of early morning or evening, and place the baby indoors near a window for indirect exposure. Each session should last about 10–15 minutes. Closely monitor your baby's skin reaction, and discontinue immediately if any adverse reaction occurs.
In daily life, parents are advised to use physical sun protection measures for newborns, such as dressing the baby in long-sleeved clothing, using a hat, and applying baby-specific sunscreen to protect the skin.
