Sunshine seems to protect babies from eczema – but we don’t know why

A child being held by parents looking into the sun

Sunlight seems to help prevent babies from developing eczema

Ronstik / Alamy Stock Photo

Babies who spend more time in the sun are less likely to develop eczema, but it may not be because it boosts their vitamin D levels as previously thought.

Eczema is an allergic skin condition that is becoming increasingly common in children. No one knows why, but some experts think it’s because babies are spending less time outdoors and getting less vitamin D from sunlight.

This is based on studies showing that people who live closer to the equator – where the …