Sun allergy, or, in scientific terms, photodermatosis, is an excessive immune response of the body to the effects of sunlight. Doctors recommend starting treatment as soon as possible if you have a sun allergy. When a person’s exposure to the sun causes even a slight allergic reaction, then all precautions must be taken immediately, of course, it is very important to first consult an allergist in this situation. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments for this disease.
Sun allergy and its causes
According to medical statistics, reported cases of sun allergy are increasing every year. It should be noted that such a reaction does not necessarily become chronic. It is possible that after a person is prescribed treatment,the symptoms of the pathology will be eliminated and will no longer disturb.
The sun's rays themselves are not allergens at all, however, they can lead to the fact that substances that cause a corresponding reaction will accumulate in the human body under their influence.
Sun allergy is often noted in young children, as their immune system is not able to cope with the burden placed on the body. In general, all the causes that cause pathology are divided into two groups: external and internal. See below for sun allergy symptoms.
External causes of allergies
These include cosmetic, and in addition, perfume remedies that increase the body's sensitivity to sunlight. It is well known that antimicrobial and diuretic drugs increase sensitivity to the sun. Of course, much depends on the length of stay on the street. What to do if you are allergic to the sun? Before using this or that cosmetic or medical product, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions for it. In the event that the instructions say that the drug can cause photodermatitis, it is necessary to minimize exposure to the sun.
As part of the choice of cosmetic products, great attention should be paid to the content of boric acid, mercury compounds, essential oils and eosin. All these components only exacerbate the severity of the disease. In the role of a vivid example of external photodermatitis, it is worth bringing the meadow form of thisa disease that develops in response to flowering in the fields of plants in the summer. The furocoumarins found in plants, combined with ultraviolet radiation, can cause sun allergies in children and sometimes adults.
Photodermatitis is often caused by certain drugs, for example, sulfonamides along with barbiturates, antihistamines, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, and so on. In addition, it is important to take into account the fact that sun allergy can often occur at times when the skin is weakened by additional exposure, for example, peeling or tattooing.
Internal causes of allergies
The occurrence of allergies to the sun can contribute to liver disease, and in addition, any disturbances in the digestive system, as well as malfunctions in the immune system, and so on. It is noted that with the correction of metabolic processes, along with the normalization of the immune system, the replenishment of vitamin deficiency, the severity of this pathology is noticeably reduced.
Types of sun allergies
Photosensitization can lead to a number of unnatural reactions, for example:
- The appearance of a phototraumatic reaction that occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun. Even an absolutely he althy person after a fair amount of ultraviolet radiation can experience sunburn of varying degrees. In this regard, it would be useful to remind readers ofthat being under direct rays from eleven to sixteen hours is highly undesirable.
- Development of a phototoxic reaction. Such a reaction occurs in the form of a sunburn, which is manifested by swelling, in addition, erythema and other phenomena. Often, such a reaction develops as a response to taking a number of drugs, as well as products that contain photosensitizers.
- Photoallergic reaction. Against its background, the human body rejects ultraviolet rays.
Many wonder how this pathology manifests itself? Can it be recognized by its distinctive features?
Sun allergy and its symptoms
The main symptoms of sun allergy are:
- Appearance of a rash all over the body. The occurrence of pustular rashes is not excluded.
- The appearance of skin peeling.
- Presence of puffiness.
- Excessive redness in certain areas of the skin.
- The appearance of a burning sensation and itching.
It often happens that the symptoms of a sun allergy do not develop immediately. For example, unlike burns, allergic symptoms can occur after a couple of hours. A distinction should be made between phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. The first type may develop after a couple of hours, and the second may appear a few days after direct contact with the sun's rays. Among other things, sun allergies can exacerbate some chronic or untreated diseases.
Risk groups
How does sun allergy manifest itself? Some people are much more likely to develop the disease than others. So, the following categories of people may have an increased risk of allergies:
- People with fair skin and hair.
- Pregnant women. According to scientific statistics, pregnant women are more likely to suffer from allergies to the sun.
- Little children.
- People who are taking medications that can cause their skin to overreact to the sun's rays.
- Persons who have relatives suffering from a similar disease. There is a high probability of a sun allergy if someone from the relatives also suffers from a similar reaction.
- People who come into contact with substances that provoke sun allergies.
- People who abuse tanning beds.
- Persons who have had some cosmetic procedures the day before, such as tattoos, chemical peels, etc.
Sun allergy treatment
Allergy is a disease requiring adequate medical intervention. It is almost impossible for able-bodied people to fully avoid the sun's rays, especially when it comes to the hot season. In this regard, consultation with an allergist is required, and in addition, the passage of all necessary diagnostic procedures.
In the event that there are disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, especially in the activity of the immune system, peopleprescribe appropriate treatment. In parallel, they carry out therapy aimed at eliminating the external manifestation of solar allergy. For this, as a rule, local preparations are used in the form of various ointments and creams containing lanolin in combination with zinc and methyluracil. In some situations, the doctor prescribes hormonal ointments along with anti-inflammatory drugs. To stimulate the regenerative process of the skin, the intake of B-group vitamins is prescribed. Among other things, doctors can prescribe vitamin C and nicotinic acid, including for sun allergies in adults and children.
Creams and ointments to eliminate an allergic reaction
As part of the treatment of allergies to sunlight, the use of creams and ointments with corticosteroids is effective. True, such funds can be used only with a severe form of solar allergy. In the presence of mild forms, the use of corticosteroids is prohibited. In any case, it is possible to use certain means only with the permission of the doctor. The course of therapy with sun allergy cream should be short, since their long-term use can cause various skin pathologies, such as erythema or vasodilation. In addition, they quickly develop addiction. If such products are used frequently, skin atrophy may develop.
Antihistamines
For allergies, as a rule, patients are prescribed antihistamines. True, it is worth noting that such drugs help someone, but not at all for others.have an effect. In this case, it all depends on the root cause of photodermatosis. On this basis, the doctor decides on the advisability of prescribing such drugs. There are only a few generations of antihistamines. Third generation drugs are highly safe and do not cause drowsiness, unlike first and second generation drugs.
Drugs for sun allergy should only be selected by the attending physician.
Vitamin intake
A possible cause of an allergy to the rays of the sun may be a reduced immune status and vitamin deficiency. In such cases, the patient is prescribed the intake of vitamins of various groups, in addition, nicotinic acid is recommended. It is important to keep in mind that vitamin therapy does not serve as an independent method of treating allergic reactions, but is only one of the components of complex therapy.
Duration of solar allergy treatment can range from a week to a month. In this case, everything will depend directly on the severity of the disease, in addition, on the adequacy of the therapy prescribed by the doctor. In the event of a recurrence of the disease, the symptoms usually increase. Fortunately, recurrence of the disease is extremely rare.
Prevention of an allergic reaction to the sun's rays
In order to effectively reduce the likelihood of sun allergies, you need to follow the following medical recommendations:
- Very important if possiblecompletely refuse to wear clothes made of synthetic fabrics.
- Don't spend too many hours in the sun. Sunbathing for a total duration of ten to twenty minutes will be sufficient. After the specified time, you need to hide in the shadows.
- Sunscreen should always be used when on vacation and at home during hot weather.
- It is recommended to visit the beach in the early morning. Evening time is also great for this, when solar activity is minimal.
- Umbrellas should be used along with hats and capes to protect your body from the sun's rays.
- In the event that a person has fair skin, he needs to avoid direct rays, trying to rest under an awning and stay in the shade all the time.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Following all the above recommendations, you will certainly be able to protect your body from the harmful effects of sunlight and prevent the occurrence of an allergic reaction.
