Sun allergy (sun allergy) is a medical condition that many people complain about every summer. It is not only the sun's rays that can contribute to its development, but also some substances that increase the harmful effects of the sun. What are the causes and symptoms of sun allergy. How is this type of sun allergy treated?

Allergic to the sunis excessive sensitivity to sunlight.Sun allergycan take the form of idiopathic (spontaneous) photodermatosis, which usually appears after the first contact with sunlight, or exogenous photodermatosis, which is caused by contact with a substance that increases the body's sensitivity to the sun. The latter group includes phototoxic and photoallergic reactions.

Sun allergy - causes and risk factors

Idiopathic photodermatosisusually occurs during the first contact of the skin with the sun. After the winter, the body has not yet produced the right amount of melanin - a pigment that protects the skin against the harmful effects of the sun, which is the cause of troublesome skin symptoms.

Examples of this type of photodermatitis are light rash, summer scabies, solar urticaria, herpes herpes, and juvenile spring rash.

Thephototoxic reactionis caused by chemicals contained in cosmetics (e.g. perfumes), drugs (e.g. painkillers, contraceptives, some antibiotics), and herbs ( e.g. St. John's wort).

This type of reaction can occur in anyone, provided that the phototoxic substance and UV radiation are applied in a sufficiently high dose.

The photoallergic reactiondiffers from idiopathic photodermatosis and the phototoxic reaction in that the immune system is involved.

The photoallergic reaction occurs when the skin is exposed to a sensitizing substance, the so-called photohapten, and UV radiation (most often UVA).

The sun-changed particles of the sensitizing substance combine with the proteins of the skin, which leads to the production of sensitizing allergens that the immune system remembers.

As a consequence to the appearance of allergy symptomsoccurs after each subsequent contact with this specific allergenic substance (regardless of its dose) and even after a short stay in the sun.

The photoallergenic substances include: Certain medications (e.g. sulphonamides), fragrances (e.g. ambrate musk) and plant substances (e.g. diallyl disulphide in garlic).

It is worth knowing that the risk ofsun allergyincreases in patients with vitiligo (they do not have melanin, so the skin is easily sunburned), lupus erythematosus and people suffering from diseases metabolic (e.g. porphyria).

Therefore, they should avoid the sun. People with phototype I, II and III, i.e. people with fair complexion, are also exposed to sun allergy.

Sun allergy - sun allergy symptoms

Idiopathic photodermatosismanifests itself with itchy, red and small blisters. They appear just a few minutes after the skin comes into contact with the sun and only on those parts of the body that have been exposed to UV radiation.

In the case of phototoxic reactions, symptoms resemblesunburn(erythema, swelling, blisters with burning and itching).

They appear several minutes or several hours after contact with the harmful substance and the sun, and are limited to places exposed to its action. In the case of phototoxic reactions, hypersensitivity to the sun is temporary and passes after the withdrawal of the harmful factor.

In the case of a photoallergic reaction, as a result of the action of photoallergenic substances and solar radiation, changes known as photoallergic contact eczema develop.

These are feathery and / or itchy blemishes and papules that appear approximately 24-48 hours after sunbathing and spread beyond areas that have been exposed to sunlight.

Sun allergy - sun allergy treatment

Solar allergy treatmentis necessary. Otherwise, more and more powerful attacks may occur.

The best method would be to completely eliminate solar radiation. Unfortunately, this is impossible.

Therefore, in the event of symptoms of allergy to the sun, you should visit a dermatologist to establish a treatment regimen. Until a medical visit, lubricate the irritated areas with zinc-containing ointment (it has a drying effect), and if the skin is peeling - with after-sun preparations that will moisturize it.

In the event of a phototoxic or photoallergic reaction, the harmful factor should be eliminated. Moreovermedication may be helpful, such as clemastine or over-the-counter lime.

Good results are also achieved byphotochemotherapy(irradiating the skin with radiation of the appropriate wavelength).

Antimalarials or beta-carotene are used in the presence of multiforme light eruptions or light urticaria, which may be effective if given for many months.

Also read:

  • PHOTOPROTECTION - protection of the skin against the sun. How to choose a sunscreen for your skin type?
  • SKIN DISEASES caused by the sun

Category:

Allergies