Summer is a great time of the year. Most of us go on vacation to the warm sea. Others prefer to relax in the country, far from the gassed and noisy city. But, there are those for whom the bright sun is contraindicated. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to relax in its rays. The number of those who suffer from such a disease as photodermatitis is growing more and more. In the people, this disease is called an allergy to the sun.
This disease can manifest itself if you are under the scorching rays for only a few seconds, and it can manifest itself on the second or third day. This reaction of the body occurs in 20% of the population of our planet.
Can you be allergic to the sun?
Modern medicine refers to such a disease all manifestations of increased sensitivity of the body to the sun's rays. But, recent studies have shown that these problems are not associated with a person being under the scorching rays of the sun. This is just one of the factors that provoke such a specific allergy. Most often, this problem is associated with malfunctions in the internal organs.
Sun allergy symptoms
The most important signs of such a disease are changes in the appearance of the skin. Its symptoms are:
- Itching, pain and swelling
- Severe redness of the skin
- The appearance of microcracks with bleeding
- Skin peeling, scaling
- Hives
- The appearance of blisters
Moreover, signs of allergy to the sun can appear instantly or after 2-3 days. When allergens enter the blood, it may appear:
- temperature increase
- dizziness
In rare situations, with a decrease in blood pressure due to the entry of an allergen into the bloodstream, fainting may occur.
Why does sun allergy occur?
- As mentioned above, ultraviolet itself is not the cause of allergies. Most likely, it is a catalyst for problems associated with disruption of the internal organs and the body's defense systems.
- Allergens cannot be exposed to sunlight. But, they can start negative processes in the body that will create the problem described in this article.
- Against the background of sunlight, “protection” from chlorinated water, taking certain medications, and eating foods containing allergens may turn on. For example, grapefruits or tangerines. Under normal conditions, eating them does not cause such reactions, but when exposed to sunlight, they can develop.
A large dose of ultraviolet radiation, which falls on a person prone to such a problem, makes the body work for wear and tear. Its defense mechanisms should activate the production of melanin. What is manifested in the load on the work of the kidneys and liver.
Some cosmetics, especially creams and lipsticks, may contain substances that break down when exposed to ultraviolet light. The decay products of such agents can adversely affect the functioning of the body and cause the development of photodermatosis.
Types of sun allergies
In medical practice, it is customary to divide such a reaction of the body to the sun into three categories:
- phototraumatic reaction. Such a reaction can occur in anyone, even the most healthy person. As a rule, it is manifested by redness and a slight burning sensation on the skin of the face, décolleté and other areas that have "taken" too much ultraviolet radiation.
- phototoxic reaction. This type of reaction occurs in people with sensitive skin after taking certain medicines and cosmetic preparations.
- photoallergic reaction. This type of reaction is most pronounced. The skin may develop blisters, rashes, redness immediately after sunbathing.
What does sun allergy look like in children?
This type of allergy in a child is hard to miss. - Even after a short exposure to the sun, a rash may appear on the skin, which is also very itchy. With very sensitive skin in a child, even blisters may appear
- Symptoms of photodermatosis in children are similar to allergic reactions of the body to certain foods. But, unlike them, they appear only on open areas of the skin. The most commonly affected skin
- If the child has very sensitive skin, then it can react even when using sunscreen. The fact is that such products contain para-aminobenzoic acid, which under the influence of ultraviolet radiation becomes the strongest allergen. And it is the children who suffer the most.
- If a child has such an ailment, it is necessary to reduce his stay on the street during hours of intensity to a minimum. And of course, get professional advice from an allergist.
- If blisters have already appeared on the child's skin, then it must be immediately transferred to the shade, rinsed with cool water and given an antihistamine. Well helps to minimize the consequences of such reactions in the body tea with lemon
The affected areas of the skin must be treated with such drugs as: "Panthenol", "Fenestil" (ointment), etc.
Allergic to the spring sun
The spring sun can cause the described problem - If the symptoms of this disease quickly pass, then you do not need to worry about this. The body is rebuilt after the winter, and over time it will “get used” to ultraviolet radiation.
- An allergy to the spring sun can manifest itself after the first sunbathing. Exposed areas of the body are especially affected. Such as: face, ears, back of the neck, décolleté, arms and hands
- Most often, such manifestations of the protective reactions of the body result in ordinary urticaria. Usually, this form of photodermatosis disappears within 10-15 days after its manifestation. During this time, the body has time to adapt and get used to it. And even more intense summer sun is no longer a problem for him.
- But, if every year the spring allergy to the sun manifests itself more and more intensively, then you need to pay attention to your health. If this is not done, over the years this form of allergy can become more serious.
What is the treatment for sun allergy?
- After that, you should definitely consult a doctor. Since this problem is purely individual, there are no universal means of overcoming it.
- The doctor should order a blood test and skin tests. To reduce the manifestation of such reactions reactions, it is necessary to take antihistamines. Modern tools are very effective
- Especially in the early stages. But, they have side effects: drowsiness, nausea, tachycardia, headache
sun allergy pills
"Suprastin". It is one of the most effective allergy remedies. including photodermatosis. This drug is able to remove the manifestations of such a problem 1-2 hours after taking it. But, "Suprastin" should not be taken during the second trimester of pregnancy.
"Diprazi". A fairly strong drug that helps well with manifestations of allergies. But, it has some side effects, because of which it is contraindicated for pregnant women and children.
"Clemastin". A drug that is used for dermatitis, urticaria, Quincke's edema and other allergic reactions. It should not be taken by children and people who suffer from intolerance to the active substances that it contains.
"Diazolin". Effective for skin itching, eczema, urticaria and dermatitis. Of the side effects, it should be noted an upset of the gastrointestinal tract, drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue.
"Cyproheptadine". This drug is prescribed for skin itching, swelling of the skin and urticaria. It should not be taken in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, children, pregnant and lactating women.
"Kestin". A drug whose purpose is to block histamines in the body. It has a long-term effect, but can cause insomnia.
"Clarices". A drug that is indicated for urticaria and Quincke's edema. Practically does not affect the nervous system and is not addictive.
"Lomilan". An anti-itch remedy. Able to relieve swelling of the skin. The action occurs 30 minutes after its administration.
Third-generation antihistamines have the best effect They have fewer side effects and do not affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems. They can be used in the treatment of children and pregnant women.
Sun allergy ointment
Ointments and creams that relieve the effects of such an allergy, as well as protect against this disease, have also proven themselves well. Such drugs are divided into two groups: hormonal and non-hormonal drugs. In addition, such ointments can have a moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and softening effect.
The safest of them are non-hormonal ointments. They can be protected even during pregnancy. But, the effect of their use can appear only after a while. But, they can be used even for the most sensitive skin.
Solcoseryl. Gel based on natural ingredients. Perfectly heals problem areas on the skin, has an anti-inflammatory effect. Can be used to treat burns.
"Radevit". Ointment, which includes vitamins E, D and B. It copes well with itching caused by the negative effects of sunlight.
"Actovegin". Available in the form of a gel and ointment. Works well for rashes on the face. Perfectly heals wounds on the skin and prevents the formation of scars.
"Fenistil-gel". The menthol included in this preparation cools the skin and relieves burning sensation. It is also used to remove the above problems. Has an anesthetic effect.
With the ineffectiveness of the above drugs, hormonal ointments may be prescribed. They must be used in a predetermined dosage. If it is exceeded, an undesirable reaction may follow. The result can be seen immediately after use.
These drugs include:
- "Hydrocortisone"
- "Ftorokort"
- "Tsinakort"
- "Apulein"
- "Dermovate"
Anti-inflammatory creams have shown themselves well in the fight against allergies to the sun. They include nimesil, paracetamol and ibuprofen. These substances can quickly eliminate itching and other skin problems. These drugs include:
- "Triderm"
- "Advantan"
- Akriderm
To relieve such symptoms of photodermatitis as dryness and peeling of the skin, moisturizers should be used. They are made on the basis of fat and vegetable components. With the help of such creams, you can get rid of inflammation and swelling.
Creams and ointments will only work if they are used in conjunction with antihistamines. If toxins remain in the body, then the effect of ointments will not bring the desired result.
Folk remedies
The remedies that we “got” from grandmothers are also very effective in treating the described disease. - But, before using them, in any case, you need to consult a specialist. As mentioned above, some medications, as well as cosmetics, can be the cause of this type of allergy.
- Very well "saves" from the negative manifestations of ultraviolet radiation an ordinary cabbage leaf. It must be applied to the inflamed area and after a while the problem will disappear. Instead of cabbage for the same purpose, you can use raw potatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables.
- To restore a place affected by the sun's rays, you can use an infusion of geranium leaves. To do this, pour 2 tablespoons of geranium with 2 cups of boiling water and insist for 20 minutes. After that, lotions are made on the basis of the received funds.
- Also, lotions to eliminate the symptoms of photodermatitis can be made on the basis of horse chestnut gruel or grated carrots. These remedies treat itching and urticaria.
- Another effective remedy for itching is a string bath. To do this, pour a dry string (2 tablespoons) with a glass of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 10 minutes. Then the broth should be poured into a warm bath. Twenty minutes of this bath daily will help to cope with the problem and improve skin condition.
External remedies will be good only if there are no toxins left in the body. For this, diuretics are indicated. For example, celery juice, tea from a string and decoctions of St. John's wort and aspen buds.
Can sun allergies be cured?
In order to cure this ailment, it is necessary first of all to find out the nature of the allergen. The sun is just a catalyst for problems. Most treatments help manage symptoms. In the meantime, the allergen is not found, it is necessary to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation. For this you need:
- use protective creams and suntan lotions
- drink more water
- have antihistamines on hand
In order to cure photodermatitis, it is necessary to undergo an examination in a specialized clinic under the guidance of an experienced allergist.
Oksana. I'm allergic to the first spring sun. Everything goes by the summer. I wear long sleeves in spring. If you can’t save yourself, then I use lotions from a string and suprastin. Helps very well.
Kira. My mother was cured of such an allergy in a homeopathic center. For the past four years, she forgot about this problem.
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