Many people underestimate allergies. They believe that this disease is not capable of causing serious he alth problems. However, this statement is incorrect. Allergy is a rather dangerous pathology, and if therapeutic measures are not started in time, unpleasant consequences may occur. One of the most common ailments of this type is an allergy to the sun. On the face, hands, and other parts of the body, you can find the corresponding spots and swelling, indicating its appearance. This pathology affects equally both adults and children. Sometimes an allergic reaction becomes severe and becomes chronic.
Causes of occurrence
Contrary to popular belief, the sun's rays do not act as allergens. Pathology appears as a result of exposure to photosensitizers. They increase the sensitivity of the skin to radiation. Under their influence, free radicals are released, which are in contact with proteins. This results in the formation of new compounds. It is these compounds that are activators of allergies on the face in the sun.
Given the types of photosensitizers, the main causes of pathology are distinguished. These include:
- use of topical preparations (ointments, gels, etc.);
- skin contact with household chemicals;
- cosmetics of a specific group;
- allergies can occur due to exposure to plant juices and herbs.
In some cases, an allergy on the face to the sun appears as a result of the accumulation of specific components in the body. This can occur due to metabolic disorders, as well as diseases that negatively affect the elimination of toxic substances.
Most often, people with fair skin suffer from facial allergies to the spring sun. The risk group is replenished by pregnant women and those people who often visit the solarium.
Facial Sun Allergy Symptoms
Pathology can manifest itself in different ways and at the most unexpected moment. There are cases when even after a short walk under the sun a rash occurs. Situations are also common when the first signs of allergies are detected after visiting the solarium. This procedure is known to involve exposure of the skin to radiation.
Let's highlight the main symptoms of sun allergy:
- In areas of the skin that have been affected, redness and swelling appear. These places cause itching and burning. If the exposure to the rays was too strong, Quincke's edema may occur.
- appearsrash like hives. At the same time, it can also pass to those areas of the skin that were not exposed to radiation.
- The person begins to feel unwell, conjunctivitis is possible.
Sometimes acne can appear on the face with allergies to the sun. If the pathology proceeds under normal conditions, then the rash will pass by itself in a month. With repeated exposure to sunlight, acne will appear again. This problem should not be left to chance, it is recommended to consult a doctor and start treatment.
Classification
As already noted, sun allergy on the face and not only occurs due to exposure to photosensitizers. These are unnatural negative reactions of the body.
Consider types of allergies:
- Phototraumatic reactions. This is the case that is typical for prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is noteworthy that the symptoms of pathology manifested themselves even in a he althy person as a result of many hours of exposure to ultraviolet rays.
- Phototoxic reactions. When a person has a swollen face with an allergy to the sun, burns may occur. In addition, some parts of the body swell, redness occurs. Pathology in this case appears as a result of taking medications and drugs, which include photosensitizers. If a patient has swelling of the face due to an allergy to the sun, then this is a manifestation of phototoxic exposure.
- Photoallergic reactions. This is the most serious form of pathology that occurs in those people who cannot tolerate ultraviolet rays. OthersIn other words, the skin perceives the rays as a hostile influence. Allergy appears as a result of immune disorders, and manifests itself in the form of pustules, vesicles and blisters. The rash that occurs in this case has an enhanced pattern, disrupts pigmentation. Photos of allergies on the face in the sun, by the way, are presented in our article.
Diagnosis of pathology
When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a specialist. After all, this disease can develop into a chronic form, and then negative consequences cannot be avoided. To begin with, the doctor examines the patient and conducts a survey. With obvious symptoms of allergy, the specialist must determine the type of allergen by setting up application tests.
In order to understand the causes of the pathology, the doctor prescribes a number of procedures that the patient needs to undergo. Most often asked to donate blood and urine for biochemical analysis and hormones, as well as undergo computed tomography and ultrasound examination of the kidneys and abdominal cavity.
In the process of determining the exact diagnosis, experts draw a line with pathologies such as erysipelas, lichen, dermatitis of various types and solar erythema. After the patient passes the necessary tests and goes through all the procedures, the doctor prescribes therapy. How to treat allergies on the face from the sun? Let's talk about it in more detail.
Treatment
It is worth noting that there is no universal remedy that treats all manifestations of pathology. The specialist prescribes a course of therapy in accordance with the characteristicssymptoms, as well as the causes of allergies.
In this case, an individual approach is needed. Doctors have experimentally found that there are two most effective methods of treating facial allergies in the sun. The methods of therapy are somewhat different. Consider both options.
Lightning Therapy
If the patient's face begins to swell, or red spots or itching appear, this method must be applied. It is to seek medical help as soon as possible. A very important point is that when signs of Quincke's edema appear, it is worth immediately calling an ambulance. Before her arrival, it is necessary to give the patient antihistamine medications: Suprastin, Tavegil, Cetrin or Zyrtec.
If available, new generation drugs can be taken. They are more expensive, but the effect is different. In addition, these medicines do not cause drowsiness. These include Lordestin and Norastemizol.
Remember that at home there must be a first aid kit with the necessary drugs. By purchasing them, you will not become poorer, but if the medicines are not available at the right time, adverse consequences will come.
You should know that if a rash (urticaria) appears on the face, then this is the easiest form of allergy manifestation. In this case, antihistamines are considered quite effective.
Delayed treatment
This therapy is relevant in case of slow onset of symptoms. Symptoms do not appear immediately, but after some time. In most cases, a rash is observed. The cheeks and chin are most commonly affected.
Recommendations for the treatment of facial allergies in the spring sun:
- first you need to find out the reason, for this you should remember all your actions, and come to a certain conclusion;
- if everything indicates that the pathology appeared due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, then it is worth limiting this effect on your skin;
- before you go to see a doctor, it is recommended to gently wipe your face with a decoction of chamomile or sage, these herbs have anti-inflammatory properties, and it will be easier for a specialist to conduct an examination;
- Take an antihistamine if possible to help relieve symptoms;
- make an appointment with a dermatologist or allergist as soon as possible, because these doctors are competent in this field and will be able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe a course of therapy;
- follow the recommendations and advice of a specialist, purchase the necessary drugs and ointments, use them as directed;
- during treatment, the use of hormonal medications is prohibited, as they may cause a number of side effects.
Ointments and creams for allergies
The symptoms and treatment of facial allergy to the sun are related. This means that specific tablets and ointments are prescribed as a result of an analysis of the manifestations of pathology. Treatment of this disease is based on the use of antihistamines and glucocorticoids.ointments. We have already mentioned some of the remedies above, now let's talk about creams.
The most effective ointments are Nurofen, Betamethasone and Fluorocort. These creams are easy to get at any pharmacy, they are not rare. Before using them, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications and side effects. After all, each drug has instructions that you need to study before buying.
You also don't need to self-medicate. The above creams are good, but they should be used only after consulting an allergist. Some of them may harm you in this situation, while others will be very useful. Therefore, you must first learn from a specialist, and only then apply.
Sun allergy in children
No one is immune from this pathology, including children. Parents should make it a rule to carry the necessary medicines with them everywhere and at all times. And it doesn’t matter where you go: to another country or to a store across the street. Allergy to the sun in a child should be foreseen in advance, parents should always be ready to provide first aid.
If it so happened that the child was a victim of this pathology, then the first thing to do is to limit it from the irritant: sunlight. Then look for a first aid station and go there. There are times when there are no medical facilities nearby. Then you should cover the damaged areas of the skin with a damp cloth. If the child hassevere redness, you can use lotions and creams.
Cold compresses will help in this situation. As a basis, it is recommended to take astringents or drugs to relieve pain. Strong anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended for treatment, as they only increase photosensitivity.
In the first aid kit you should always have antihistamines, vitamins and antioxidants with you. Their use will provide first aid to the injured child, and it will be easier for the doctor to work with him. What do the manifestations of allergies on the face in the sun look like? The photo below will help you understand this.
What to do with solar fainting?
It is not uncommon for a person to faint due to strong and prolonged exposure to sunlight. If this happens, the first step is to call medical professionals. While they are traveling, a number of activities must be carried out:
- first you need to move the patient to the shade so that the sun's rays do not affect him;
- put the person face up in a horizontal position;
- legs can be put on any ledge or just raised, this action will provide enhanced blood flow to the brain;
- unfasten the collar so that the victim can breathe better;
- splashing cold water on the face, trying to bring the patient to his senses;
- if you have ammonia on hand, apply it to a cotton swab and bring it to the patient's nose.
You did everything by the time the doctors arrivedpossible. Further treatment is carried out already in the clinic, where the patient's blood pressure is normalized. They will also restore the body through the introduction of antihistamines, as well as the removal of unnecessary toxins.
If you are going on vacation in nature, it is better to limit contact with the sun's rays from 11 am to 2 pm. During this period of time, sunlight contains the greatest amount of ultraviolet rays that adversely affect the body.
Prevention
Allergy on the face is an unpleasant pathology that causes a lot of trouble. If she appeared at least once in a lifetime, you need to be especially careful. You should always have a first-aid kit with you, where it is mandatory to have antihistamines that will help relieve symptoms.
If the cause of an allergy on the face is in the sun, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you ignore the pathology, it can develop into a chronic form, and it will be impossible to cure it completely. The best prevention is to follow the advice and recommendations of a specialist, and not self-medicate.
When relaxing in the hot season, as mentioned, you do not need to sunbathe from 11 to 2 o'clock in the afternoon. This time is the most unfortunate, as there is a high chance of "burning out" and acquiring an allergy. It is better to be in the sun either early in the morning or in the evening when the sun sets. Watch your he alth, at the first sign of any oddities in the body, immediately go to the doctor. Even if nothing is found,will be prevention. It is necessary to undergo a full medical examination at least once a year in order to avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of serious illnesses.
