Well, the long-awaited summer has arrived! We enjoy flowers, warmth, and sunlight, which are also beneficial for our health. Unfortunately, people with allergic reactions to sunlight cannot always share the delight of the arrival of hot days. Fortunately, a mild sun allergy can often resolve on its āown without any special treatment. But what should those with severe allergies do? We are confident that our tips will help you manage or alleviate your ailment. And you will be able to enjoy sunny days together with everyone else!
What Does Sun Allergy Tell You?
Photodermatosis, also known as sun allergy, is a relatively rare condition. However, doctors have recently been increasingly diagnosing it in people with weakened immune defenses. Sun rays themselves do not cause allergies, but they signal deeper internal problems. The symptoms that patients suffer from are a consequence of the improper synthesis of enzymes in the affected organism. Therefore, it is essential to be very attentive to your general health if you experience an allergy to sunlight.
Photodermatoses typically indicate the presence of pathologies in the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, circulatory and endocrine systems, as well as metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiencies. In this case, the disease tends to recur, invariably manifesting itself when sunlight hits unprotected skin. Fortunately, mild allergies can go away on their own, but severe rashes should be treated with steroid creams or tablets. Some patients develop symptoms only when exposed to another factor, such as taking certain medications or coming into contact with specific plants. Other people have a hereditary type of sun allergy. In any case, be sure to wear closed clothing in the sun, protecting your skin from sun exposure. And, of course, consult a doctor.
Types of Sun Allergies
There are different types of allergies. Let’s look at the most common ones: Polymorphic light eruption is considered the most common form of photodermatitis, also known as sun allergy. It causes an itchy or burning rash on skin that has been exposed to sunlight. A photoallergic eruption occurs when a substance on the skin or in the body is altered by UV radiation, triggering an allergic reaction. Triggers include certain ingredients in cosmetics, sunscreens, or certain medications. Chronic actinic dermatitis is a severe form of sun allergy. It results from prolonged exposure to UV radiation and can also be aggravated by artificial lighting. It mainly affects older people with sensitive skin. Solar urticaria is rare. In this case, exposure to ultraviolet light causes hives to appear on both closed and open skin shortly after exposure.
Symptoms of Summer Sun Allergy
Sun allergy is accompanied by several highly unpleasant symptoms, including redness, rash, itching, and swelling. Symptoms are caused by direct exposure to sunlight on the skin. Of course, reactions resulting from allergies can vary depending on the type of skin and other bodily characteristics. Here are the most common symptoms for which you should consult a doctor immediately.
- Small bumps
- Itching
- Burning
- Severe peeling of the skin
- Blisters or hives
- Redness of the skin exposed to sunlight
- Dizziness and headaches (serious symptoms)
If you have this condition, it will appear on the skin within a few minutes to a few hours after exposure to the sun. Typically, victims are exposed to radiation through thin clothing or glass, such as when sitting by a window or when directly exposed to sunlight. Most often, photodermatitis develops on the face, neck, décolleté, back of the hands, and shoulders. Parts of the body where a tattoo was made are extremely vulnerable.
Causes of Allergy to Sunlight
Sun allergy occurs when the skin overreacts to ultraviolet rays. They can come from sunlight or artificial sources, such as a solarium. So, when your immune system perceives ultraviolet rays as a threat, it releases special chemicals, such as histamine. This causes skin inflammation, rashes, and other symptoms. Sometimes, this reaction can be caused by autoimmune diseases, a genetic predisposition, or an endocrine system disorder. Additionally, a similar reaction to the sun can be triggered by the long-term use of certain medications. A deficiency of specific vitamins can also weaken the skin, making it more susceptible to UV radiation. Metabolic disorders can also contribute to increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Pigment metabolism disorders can affect the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet rays.
Use of phototoxic substances: ingestion or external use of substances that reduce the skin’s resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Be cautious when using certain cosmetics. Certain perfumes, deodorants, and hair dyes can cause a photoallergic reaction. Contact with the sap of certain plants can also be unsafe. For example, the plant hogweed increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Celery, parsley, figs, and lime in your diet can increase photosensitivity.
Medications, such as tetracyclines, phenothiazines, furosemide, antifungals, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, retinoids, and certain diabetes medications, can increase the risk of developing a sun allergy. The presence of dermatitis increases the risk of developing a sun allergy. Family history is also important. Having a blood relative with a sun allergy.
UV Allergy Treatment and Prevention
You can live an active and joyful life with sun allergies! The main thing is to take precautions and provide correct sun allergy treatment. Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Intense sun exposure in the summer can be harmful to anyone. But if you have this ailment, you should be especially careful. Find yourself in the sun? Seek shade whenever possible. Try to cover yourself with clothing to prevent direct sunlight from hitting your skin. By the way, many people experience sun allergy symptoms seasonally. Daylight hours become longer, and people are exposed to more sunlight. Try to adapt gradually. For example, increase the time spent outdoors so that your skin has time to adjust to the increased sunlight. However, do this under the guidance of a doctor and with extreme caution.
In the summer, be sure to wear sunglasses and protective clothing to shield yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts protect your skin from sun exposure. Avoid thin fabrics — UV rays can pass through them. Apply UV-blocking window film. Place it on the windows of your home and car. Apply sunscreen to your skin. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours — or more often if you swim. Throw away sunscreen if it has expired or is more than three years old. If you know a particular substance causes a skin reaction in you, avoid that trigger.
Summing up…
Do you have a sun allergy? It is important not to neglect your condition. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can enjoy warm summer days. At Allergy & Associates of Southern California, we are committed to your health and the well-being of your family. We have been helping people since 1980. We provide exceptional allergy care for children and adults. Please make an appointment with us!
