A new article published in Dermatology and Therapy discussed that atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with an estimated prevalence of 10-15% in children and 2-10% in adults. There exists notable phenotypic variability driven by a complex interaction between genetics, immune function and the environment. 

The authors stated that impairment of the skin barrier plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. Therefore, the beneficial effect of sunlight in patients with atopic eczema is questionable, as disrupts the skin barrier and generates free radicals that can damage proteins, lipids and DNA. Environmental factors such as sun exposure, temperature and humidity contribute to AD flares, and may cause regional prevalence variation. 

This article further informed that the use of sunscreens in AD can ensure the level of photoprotection required to prevent skin photoaging and skin cancer and to mitigate skin barrier dysfunction; decrease inflammation; and neutralize facial redness. 

Source: Dermatology and Therapy. 2021 Feb 13. doi: 10.1007/s13555-021-00495-y.