Sun cream and eczema: protecting your child's skin without a flare-up
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Sunny days should be fun, but if your child has eczema they can bring a worry: will the sun cream sting, clog or trigger a flare? The good news is that with the right products and a simple routine, you can keep your child protected and comfortable.
Why sun protection matters even more with eczema
Eczema-prone skin is sensitive, and some children have skin that reacts to heat and sweat. Sunburn can make eczema worse, and a few eczema treatments can make skin more sensitive to the sun. So good sun care is part of looking after the skin, not separate from it.
Choosing a sun cream
Every child's skin is different, but these pointers help:
Look for a high factor, SPF 50, with broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection.
Mineral sun creams (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) tend to suit sensitive skin, as they sit on top of the skin rather than soaking in.
Choose fragrance-free and avoid added colours where you can.
Patch test a new cream on a small area for a day or two before using it all over.
The order to put things on
This is the bit parents most often ask about. As a general guide:
Put emollients (moisturisers) on first, then wait. Give it 20 to 30 minutes to soak in.
Apply sun cream on top, as the last layer.
Putting sun cream on first can stop the moisturiser working, and putting them on together can dilute the protection.
On a normal day with no strong sun, your usual emollient routine comes first and sun cream goes on when you head out.
Other simple ways to protect the skin
Sun cream is only part of it:
Use shade, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing, especially between 11am and 3pm.
Keep your child cool, as heat and sweat can trigger itching.
Reapply sun cream often, particularly after water or towelling off.
Rinse off salt and chlorine afterwards and reapply emollient to soothe the skin.
When to seek advice
If your child's eczema flares badly, the skin looks infected (weeping, crusting, hot or spreading redness), or sun cream always seems to cause a reaction, it is worth getting support. A nurse-led consultation can help you build a routine that works for your child, alongside your GP and NHS care.
This blog is general guidance and not a substitute for medical advice. For diagnosis, prescriptions or urgent concerns, please speak to your GP, and call 999 in an emergency.
