An allergy to the sun, or, in scientific terms, photodermatosis, is an excessive immune response of the body to the influence of sunlight. Doctors recommend starting treatment as soon as possible if there is a sun allergy. When a person’s exposure to the sun causes even a slight allergic reaction, all precautionary measures must be taken immediately, of course, first it is very important to consult an allergist in this situation. We learn more about the symptoms and treatment methods of this ailment.
Solar allergy and its causes
According to medical statistics, reported cases of sun allergies are increasing every year. It should be noted that such a reaction does not necessarily go into a chronic form. It is possible that after a person is prescribed treatment, the symptoms of the pathology will be eliminated and will no longer be disturbed.
The sun's rays themselves are not at all allergens, however, they can lead to the fact that in the human body, under their influence, substances will accumulate that cause an appropriate reaction.
Often, sun allergies are 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. Symptoms of sun allergies are discussed below.
External causes of allergies
These include cosmetic, and in addition, perfumery therapeutic agents that increase the body's sensitivity to the effects of 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 with allergies to the sun? Before using this or that cosmetic or therapeutic agent, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions for it. In the event that the instructions say that the drug is capable of causing photodermatitis, it is necessary to minimize exposure to the sun.
When choosing cosmetics, great attention should be paid to the content of boric acid, mercury compounds, essential oils and eosin. All these components only aggravate the severity of the disease. In the role of a striking example of external photodermatitis, it is worth bringing the meadow form of this disease, which develops in response to flowering in the fields of plants in the summer. Furocoumarins contained in plants, combined with ultraviolet radiation, can cause allergies to the sun in children and sometimes in adults.
Photodermatitis is often caused by certain medications, 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 allergies to the sun can often occur at times when the skin is weakened by additional exposure, for example, peeling or tattooing.
Internal causes of allergies
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 adjustment of metabolic processes, along with the normalization of the immune system and the replenishment of vitamin deficiency, the severity of this pathology is markedly reduced.
Types of sun allergies
Photosensitivity 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 in a completely healthy person, after a hefty ultraviolet radiation, sunburns of various degrees can occur. In this regard, it will be useful to remind readers that staying in direct light from eleven to sixteen hours is extremely undesirable.
- The 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 a similar reaction develops as a response to taking a number of drugs, as well as products that contain photosensitizers.
- Photoallergic reaction. Against this background, the human body rejects ultraviolet rays.
Many are interested in how this pathology manifests itself? Can it be recognized by its distinguishing features?
Solar allergy and its symptoms
The main symptoms of sun allergies are:
- The appearance of a rash throughout the body. The occurrence of pustular rashes is not ruled out.
- The appearance of peeling skin.
- The 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 allergies to the sun do not develop immediately. For example, unlike burns, allergic symptoms can occur after a couple of hours. It is necessary to distinguish between phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. The first type can develop after a couple of hours, and the second can manifest itself a few days after direct contact with sunlight. Among other things, sun allergy can exacerbate the course of some chronic or untreated diseases.
Risk groups
How does an allergy to the sun manifest? In some people, the likelihood of developing a pathology is much higher compared to 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.
- Small children.
- People who take medications that can cause an excessive skin reaction to the sun.
- Persons who have relatives suffering from a similar disease. There is a high probability of a sun allergy in the event that one of the relatives also suffers from a similar reaction.
- People who come in contact with substances that provoke sun allergies.
- People abusing tanning beds.
- Persons who performed some cosmetic procedures the day before, for example, tattooing, chemical peeling and the like.
Sun Allergy Treatment
Allergy is a disease that requires adequate medical attention. It is almost impossible to avoid able-bodied sunlight to able-bodied people, 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 violations in the work of internal organs, especially in the activity of the immune system, people are prescribed appropriate treatment. At the same time, therapy is carried out 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, B-vitamins are prescribed. In addition, doctors can prescribe vitamin C and nicotinic acid, including for allergies to the sun in adults and children.
Creams and ointments to eliminate an allergic reaction
In the treatment of allergies to sunlight, the use of creams and ointments with corticosteroids is effective. True, such means can only be used with a severe form of sun allergy. In the presence of mild forms, the use of corticosteroid drugs is prohibited. In any case, one or another means can be used only with the permission of the doctor. The course of therapy with a cream for allergies to the sun should be short, because their long-term use can cause various skin pathologies, such as erythema or vasodilation. In addition, addiction quickly develops to them. If you use such funds often, skin atrophy may develop.
Antihistamines
In allergies, as a rule, patients are prescribed antihistamines. True, it is worth noting that such drugs help someone, but have no effect on others. 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. Allocate only a few generations of antihistamines. Third-generation drugs are distinguished by high safety, in addition, they do not cause drowsiness, in contrast to drugs of the first and second generations.
Preparations for allergies to the sun should be selected only by the attending physician.
Vitamin intake
A possible cause of allergies to the sun's rays 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.
The duration of treatment for solar allergies can be 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. If the disease recurs, the symptoms usually worsen. Fortunately, relapses are extremely rare.
Prevention of an allergic reaction to sunlight
In order to reduce the likelihood of sun allergies as efficiently as possible, you need to follow the following medical recommendations:
- If possible, it is very important to completely refuse to wear clothes sewn from synthetic fabrics.
- You cannot spend too many hours in the open sun. Sunbathing with a total duration of ten to twenty minutes will be quite sufficient. After the specified time is required to hide in the shade.
- Always on vacation, as well as at home during hot weather should use sunscreen.
- Visiting the beach is recommended in the early morning. Also perfect for this is evening time, when solar activity is minimal.
- You should use umbrellas along with hats and capes to protect your body from sunlight.
- In the event that a person has fair skin, he needs to avoid direct rays, trying to rest under an awning and be in the shade all the time.
- You should eat a lot of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Observing 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.