What is sun allergy and what to do about it
Miscellaneous / / May 23, 2022
See if you mistook it for a sunburn.
What is sun allergy
Allergy to the sun is a group of diseases in which on exposed parts of the body due to ultraviolet radiation appearL. Percy, T. Schwarz. Photodermatoses: Diagnosis and Treatment / Deutsches Arzteblatt international painful and itchy red spots. So most often called a polymorphic light rash, because it is very common: it occurs in 10-20% of Caucasians, more often in women.
In addition to it, allergies to the sun include:
- Solar urticaria. This is a rare severe disease in which a general allergic reaction occurs, up to anaphylactic shock, and the skin becomes covered with red, itchy blisters.
- Chronic actinic dermatitis. This is a condition in which, after the sun, dense dry folded areas appear on the body.
- Actinic pruritus, or prurigo. This is another rare skin disease. On parts of the body that are often exposed to ultraviolet radiation, edema occurs, and after it - itchy rash.
- Phototoxic and photoallergic dermatitis. So called rash after taking substances that increase sensitivity to the sun, or contact with them.
In some conditions, the symptoms are visible almost immediately, and in some - after a few hours.
What are the symptoms of a sun allergy?
Symptoms vary depending on the disease. But even within one disease, the clinical picture is not the same. For example, a polymorphic rash is so called because in some people the elements have a different shape: someone will have spots, someone will have itchy raised nodules.
However, for all states there isSun Allergy / Cleveland Clinic common features. rashes appearPhotosensitivity / DermNet NZ after exposure to the sun on the face, neck, shoulders, forearms and other open areas and are accompanied by:
- itching;
- pain
- redness;
- swelling;
- burning sensation;
- discharge from the burn of a clear or yellowish liquid.
Why Sun Allergies Occur
Just as photosynthesis occurs in plants in the light, different substances in the skin can change under the influence of ultraviolet. Sometimes the resulting compounds cause allergies in people.
For some, the body reacts to its own changed proteins: the immune system does not recognize them and attacks them as strangers. And for someone, the reaction occurs only after taking medications, applying cosmetics, or getting plant juice on the skin. This is due to the fact that some chemicals have a side effect - photosensitivity, that is, they increase a person's sensitivity to the sun.
It is of two types:
- Photoallergy. signs appearPhotoallergy / Science direct only in susceptible people upon re-encounter with changed substances, when the immune system has already managed to develop protective antibodies.
- Phototoxicity. This is when ultraviolet doesPhototoxicity/NIH substances are poisonous, and the reaction of each individual person depends on the amount of these compounds and the characteristics of the skin, and not the sensitivity of the immune system.
Own predisposition
Scientists don't know exactly where it comes from, but suggestSun allergy / Mayo Clinicthat sensitivity to ultraviolet light is increased in those who have:
- relatives with allergies to the sun;
- fair skin;
- skin diseases.
Taking medication
Medications may callDrug-Induced Photosensitivity / Medscape and phototoxicity, and photoallergy. Most often, the reaction occurs when taking:
- antibiotics - tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - ibuprofen, ketoprofen, celecoxib;
- diuretics - furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide;
- retinoids;
- drugs for diabetes based on sulfonylurea;
- neuroleptics;
- antifungal agents - griseofulvin, itroconazole;
- quinidine.
Contact with cosmetics and household chemicals
Some substances that come into contact with the skin are phototoxic. Paradoxically, even in sunscreen can beDrug-Induced Photosensitivity / Medscape phototoxic ingredients. For example, para-aminobenzoic acid, benzophenes, salicylates and cinnamates. Usually these substances are:
- in spirits;
- creams;
- essential oils, such as bergamot;
- flavors;
- disinfectants.
Contact with plants
Reaction to plant sap and ultraviolet calledPhytophotodermatitis/Medscape phytophotodermatitis. This is a phototoxic reaction common to all humans.
The most striking example is dill-likeย hogweed Sosnowski. In cold areas, before the appearance of a strong sun, they take a selfie with him, and in the south they are afraid like fire. Its danger is not in its own toxicity, but in the fact that the juice contains furocoumarins - substances that cause terrible burns in the sun.
There are also furocoumarins in the juice of lime, celery, amma, figs and psoralea. Therefore, it is better that their juice does not get on the skin of a person who is going to sunbathe.
When to See a Doctor
Urgently callSun Allergy (Photosensitivity) / Harvard Health Publishing an ambulance if you have hemorrhages under the skin or have symptoms of anaphylactic shock: loss of consciousness, stickiness and pallor of the skin, difficulty breathing.
Consult a dermatologist if you experience this after exposure to the sun for the first time aroseSun Allergy / Cleveland Clinic unusual symptoms. The doctor will ask about your condition, perhaps conduct additional studies:
- phototesting - they shine an ultraviolet lamp on a small area of โโ\u200b\u200bthe skin and look at the reaction;
- blood tests;
- biopsy - a doctor cuts out a piece of skin and sends it for examination under a microscope.
This is to distinguish sun allergy from other skin conditions that also increase photosensitivity. For example, from lupus erythematosusย or porphyria.
Also, be sure to see a dermatologist if you have already consulted him about an allergy to the sun, but rashes appeared on areas covered by clothes or rash and itching did not go away after self-treatment.
What you can do yourself if you are allergic to the sun
Often symptoms passSun allergy / Mayo Clinic yourself when you leave the sun. If this does not happen, a slight exacerbation of photosensitivity can be tried cureSun Allergy (Photosensitivity) / Harvard Health Publishing at home.
- Apply a cold compress or take a cool shower.
- Use an anti-itch cream based on steroids or antihistamines.
- If needed, take an over-the-counter antihistamine based on chloropyramine, clemastine, or cetirizine.
What will the doctor do
He will teach you how to avoid the sunand prescribe treatment. Depending on the reaction, these can be antipruritics, antihistamines and steroids, and in severe cases, immunosuppressants, substances that suppress the immune system.
How to prevent an exacerbation in the future
ObserveSun allergy / Mayo Clinic precautionary measures:
- Try not to be in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., because this is the peak time with the most UV activity.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50. Remember to reapply every 2 hours and after swimming.
- Wear glasses and protective clothing. Some thin or mesh fabrics let UV light through. Therefore, choose those that are labeled SPF 50 or made from dense fabrics.
- After a long break, try to gradually increase the time in the sun so that the skin cells have time to adapt to the light. Many people develop symptoms when they are exposed to a lot of ultraviolet light.
- Do not wear perfume or essential oils before going to the beach.
- Avoid known triggers. If you know that a certain substance increases your sensitivity to the sun, try to use it less in spring and summer.
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