Allergy to the sun can appear immediately (after 2-30 seconds) or several hours after direct skin exposure to radiation. It is not uncommon for symptoms to appear later - after 2-3 days. The rate of development of an allergic reaction is determined by the degree of resistance of the organism to the effects of natural light, as well as the intensity of radiation. In children, symptoms appear faster than in adults. An allergy to the sun's rays is called photodermatosis. This is a type of skin disease that manifests itself under certain conditions.
As such, natural light does not contain an irritating factor (allergen). A negative reaction of the body (irritation on the skin and other signs of allergy) associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation usually occurs provided that specific substances are contained on the skin or in the structure of the epithelium. Allergy to sunlight can be of two types:
- Exogenous photodermatitis. The name of the skin disease means that the reaction provokes a substance that is outside the human body. An example of such a reaction is meadow dermatitis. Allergy begins if furocoumarins get on the skin. These are specific substances that are secreted only by some plants. How does this type of allergy manifest itself? The most common symptoms are discoloration of the skin (pronounced redness) and blisters. Meadow dermatitis can also appear with itching. Pigmentation occurs on the affected areas of the skin. In addition, allergies can develop if the sun's rays fall on areas of the skin covered with cosmetics. In this case, the reaction is provoked by certain compounds that are part of lipstick or perfume, such as eosin, para-aminobenzoic acid. The last of these substances is a common component of sunscreens.
- Endogenous photodermatitis. Such an allergy can be called internal. The fact is that it provokes the appearance of a factor in the body. This type of allergy to sunlight can occur if the structure of the skin contains substances that, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, provide a specific reaction. This happens if there is a violation of the immune system, metabolism. Varieties of diseases that provoke solar radiation against the background of internal problems of the body: polymorphic photodermatosis, xeroderma pigmentosa, porphyria, solar eczema. Itching, rash and blisters are the main signs of such pathological conditions. Treatment in this case should include not only the treatment of affected areas of the skin with ointments, but also restorative therapy.
Varieties of allergic reactions
Photodermatitis manifests itself in different ways. The structure of the skin is subject to changes in varying degrees of severity, which is affected by the intensity of exposure to radiation and the state of the body. Allergy to the sun is divided into groups:
If you are interested in the question of whether it is possible to be under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, you need to clarify who is at risk. An allergic reaction to the sun is more likely to occur in people suffering from disruption of various systems:
- endocrine diseases;
- disorders in the liver and kidneys;
- weakening and other changes in the immune system.
Allergy Development Factors
The body reacts differently to third-party interference. If you are wondering why an allergy to the sun of an exogenous type (outdoor) occurs, a number of factors should be considered:
Factors of endogenous (internal) photodermatitis
Before you protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation, you need to find out why allergies appear. The risk group includes:
- People whose skin is very fair. There is an allergy to the sun on the hands, face and other exposed areas of the body.
- Women during gestation, lactation and at other times when hormonal changes occur.
- Children. At an early age, full-fledged protective reactions of the body have not yet developed, which makes the skin too vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation.
- People with a lot of tattoos. The manifested allergy is a consequence of the frequent use of dyes containing cadmium.
- People who prefer a rich tan, for which they often visit a solarium.
- Heredity. Manifesting allergies are more difficult to overcome if one of the family members also has a tendency to similar reactions.
Symptoms
Before using allergy remedies, you need to make sure that the pathological condition is really provoked by ultraviolet radiation.
Rash, itching and redness are the first signs of an allergy to the sun.
You should figure out what the skin looks like in this case, for which they study the photo. Common symptoms of sun allergy:
- If redness appears, then there is reason to suspect that the skin has been exposed to excessive exposure to solar radiation. Discoloration of the outer skin is one of the main signs of an allergic reaction, but it is common. Accordingly, it is impossible to rely only on redness.
- When allergic to the sun, itching, a rash usually appears.
- Blisters form on the skin, from which fluid sometimes oozes.
- Eczema and urticaria are the main forms of this pathological condition.
- The skin loses its smoothness. Irregularities in local areas can combine into large spots.
- Sometimes there is mild swelling.
- In more complex cases, the skin thickens and crusts form. They are not elastic, which means that the skin in such places will crack and bleed.
Symptoms and treatment are interrelated. Itching, rash and redness are the main signs of any allergic reaction. To permanently get rid of unpleasant consequences, you need to find out what means are used in the fight against ultraviolet allergy.
Often the reaction of the body to the sun's rays is serious, accompanied by a change in the structure of the skin, creates inconvenience (rash, etc.). For this reason, it is impossible to deal with the consequences on your own. It is necessary to consult with your doctor. If the question is how to get rid of an allergy to the sun, various means are considered:
Prevention
In order not to have to deal with skin diseases in the future, it is recommended to follow simple rules. If an allergy to the sun periodically appears, prevention will help prevent the development of pathological reactions of the body. To this end, it is recommended to avoid visiting southern countries where the sun is in its active phase for a long period.
You need to stay outdoors during the day in closed, but at the same time breathable, light clothing. It is important to protect the face, hands, feet and the rest of the body.
If an allergy to the sun occasionally appears, symptoms and treatment often depend on third-party factors. It is not recommended to contact with plants, certain products and certain cosmetics:
- nettle, hogweed, quinoa, St. John's wort, clover, angelica, sweet clover;
- carrot juice, citrus fruits, parsley juice, sweet peppers, figs, celery and sorrel;
- alcohol, chocolate, nuts, spicy foods;
- from drugs - Biseptol, Sumamed, Ibuprofen, Promethazine, Kordaron, Chlorthiazide, etc.
Even some antihistamines and sunscreens can trigger an allergic reaction to UV light.