Many people underestimate allergies. They believe that this ailment is not able to cause serious health problems. However, this statement is incorrect. Allergy is a rather dangerous pathology, and if therapeutic measures are not started in time, unpleasant consequences can occur. 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 skin's sensitivity to radiation. Under their influence, free radicals are released that come into contact with proteins. The result is the formation of new compounds. These compounds are the activators of allergies on the face in the sun.
Given the types of photosensitizers, the main causes of pathology are distinguished. These include:
- the 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 to the face in the sun appears as a result of the accumulation of specific components in the body. This may occur due to metabolic disorders, as well as diseases that adversely affect the elimination of toxic substances.
Most often, people with fair skin suffer from allergies on their faces to the spring sun. The risk group is supplemented by pregnant women and those people who often visit the solarium.
Symptoms of sun allergy on the face
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 appears. Situations are also common where the first signs of an allergy are found after visiting a tanning bed. This procedure, as you know, involves exposure to skin radiation.
We highlight the main symptoms of allergies to the sun:
- 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, the occurrence of Quincke edema is not excluded.
- A rash appears as with hives. At the same time, it can also go to those areas of the skin that were not exposed to radiation.
- A person begins to feel bad, conjunctivitis is possible.
Acne can sometimes appear on the face with an allergy 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. You can not let this problem drift, it is recommended to consult a doctor and begin treatment.
Classification
As already noted, an allergy to the sun on the face and not only arises from exposure to photosensitizers. These are unnatural negative reactions of the body.
Consider the types of allergies:
- Phototraumatic reactions. This is the case that is characteristic of prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is noteworthy that the symptoms of the pathology manifested even in a healthy person as a result of hours of exposure to ultraviolet rays.
- Phototoxic reactions. When a person has a swollen face with an allergy to the sun, burns are possible. 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 the patient has facial swelling with an allergy to the sun, then this is a manifestation of the phototoxic effect.
- Photoallergic reactions. This is the most serious form of pathology that occurs in those people who can not tolerate ultraviolet rays. In other words, the skin perceives the rays as a hostile effect. Allergy occurs 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 a reinforced pattern, disrupts pigmentation. Photos of allergies on the face in the sun, by the way, are presented in our article.
Pathology diagnostics
When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a specialist. After all, this ailment can develop into a chronic form, and then negative consequences can not be avoided. First, the doctor examines the patient and conducts a survey. With obvious symptoms of an allergy, a specialist should determine the type of allergen by stating application tests.
In order to understand the causes of the pathology, the doctor prescribes a series of procedures that the patient must 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 this in more detail.
Treatment
It is worth noting that a universal remedy that cures all manifestations of pathology does not exist. The specialist prescribes a course of therapy in accordance with the characteristics of the symptoms, as well as the causes of the allergy.
In this case, an individual approach is required. Doctors experimentally found that there are two most effective methods of treating allergies on the face in the sun. The methods of therapy are somewhat different. Consider both options.
Lightning therapy
If the patient begins to swell the face or appears red spots or itching, it is necessary to apply this method. It is to seek medical advice as soon as possible. A very important point is that when signs of Quincke's edema are manifested, you should immediately call an ambulance. Before her arrival, it is necessary to give the patient antihistamines: Suprastin, Tavegil, Tsetrin or Zirtek.
If available, a new generation of drugs can be taken. They cost more, but the effect is different. In addition, these medicines do not cause drowsiness. These include Lordestine and Norastemizole.
Remember that there must be a first aid kit with the right drugs at home. By purchasing them, you will not be impoverished, but if there are no medicines at the right time, adverse consequences will occur.
You should know that if a rash (urticaria) appears on the face , then this is the easiest form of allergy. In this case, antihistamines are considered to be quite effective.
Slow Type of Treatment
This therapy is relevant in case of slow manifestation of symptoms. Signs do not appear immediately, but after some time. In most cases, a rash is observed. Most often, cheeks and chin are affected.
Recommendations for the treatment of facial allergies in the spring sun:
- First you need to find out the reason, for this you need to remember all your actions, and come to a certain conclusion;
- if everything indicates that the pathology appeared due to prolonged exposure to the sun, then it is worth limiting this effect on your skin;
- Before going to the doctor’s office, it is recommended to gently wipe the 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;
- if necessary, take an antihistamine, this will help relieve symptoms;
- Make an appointment with a dermatologist or allergist as soon as possible, because it is these doctors who are competent in this area and will be able to make the correct diagnosis, as well as prescribe a course of therapy;
- follow the recommendations and advice of a specialist, purchase the necessary preparations and ointments, use them in accordance with the instructions;
- during treatment, the use of hormonal medications is prohibited, as a number of side effects may occur due to them.
Ointments and creams for allergies
Symptoms and treatment of allergies on the face in the sun are interconnected. This means that specific tablets and ointments are prescribed as a result of the analysis of manifestations of pathology. The basis for the treatment of this disease is the use of antihistamines and glucocorticoid ointments. We have already mentioned some 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 an instruction that you need to study before buying.
You also do not need to self-medicate. The above creams are good, but they should only be used after consulting an allergist. Some of them may harm you in this situation, while others will be very useful. Therefore, you must first find out from a specialist, and only then apply.
Allergy to the sun in children
No one is safe from this pathology, including children. Parents should take it as a rule: everywhere and always carry the necessary medications with them. Moreover, it does not matter where you go: to another country or to a store across the road. An allergy to the sun in a child should be provided in advance, parents must 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 the 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 has a strong redness, you can use lotions and creams.
Cold compresses will help in this situation. It is recommended to take astringents or pain relievers as a basis. It is not recommended to carry out treatment with strong anti-inflammatory drugs, since they only enhance photosensitivity.
In a medicine cabinet you always need to have antihistamines, vitamins and antioxidants. Their use will provide first aid to the affected child, and it will be easier for the doctor to work with him. What are the manifestations of allergies on the face in the sun? The photo below will help you understand this.
What to do with a solar fainting?
Often there are situations when a person faints due to the strong and prolonged exposure to sunlight. If this happens, the first thing you need to call a medical professional. While they are traveling, a number of events are necessary:
- first you need to move the patient into the shade so that the sun's rays do not affect him;
- put a person face up in a horizontal position;
- legs can be put on any ledge or simply raised, this action will provide increased blood flow to the brain;
- unfasten the gate so that it is better for the victim to breathe;
- splash cold water on your face, trying to bring the patient to feelings;
- if ammonia is available at hand, apply it to the cotton wool and bring it to the patient’s nose.
By the time the doctors arrived, you did your best. Further treatment is carried out already in the clinic, where the patient normalizes blood pressure. They will also restore the body through the introduction of antihistamines, as well as the removal of unnecessary toxins.
If you are going on outdoor recreation, it is better to limit contact with the sun from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this period of time, sunlight contains the largest number 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 antihistamines must necessarily be available to help relieve symptoms.
If the cause of an allergy on the face is in the sun, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. If you ignore the pathology, it can develop into a chronic form, and it will be impossible to completely cure it. The best prevention is to follow the advice and recommendations of a specialist, and not to self-medicate.
When resting in the hot season, as mentioned, you do not need to sunbathe from 11 to 2 pm. This time is the most unsuccessful, since there is a high chance of "burn out" and get an allergy. It is better to be in the sun either early in the morning, or already in the evening, when the sun sets. Watch your health, at the first sign of any oddities in the body, immediately go to the doctor. Even if nothing is discovered, it will be prevention. It is necessary to undergo a full medical examination at least once a year to avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of serious illnesses.