Allergy to the sun is no longer scary

Winter is finally withdrawing its ice troops, summer beaches and warm waves looming on the horizon. But what if, instead of a bronze tan, your skin is covered only with spots and burns? Are you allergic to the sun? In this article, we will tell you about this insidious disease and some methods of dealing with it.

Why is the sun so hot?

Let's start with the bad. Sun allergy, also known as photodermatitis or photodermatosis, is not an invention of sunscreen manufacturers. Such a disease does exist. Moreover, it occurs in almost every fifth inhabitant of our planet.

However, there is also good news. For most people, an allergic reaction occurs only under certain conditions. The reasons may be different, for example, poor choice of food or plant pollen. But in general they can be divided into two broad categories.

External manifestations of the disease (photodermatosis)

The most common and "harmless" category. The cause of sun allergy here is a phototoxic reaction to photosensitizer allergens that have entered your body. They may include the following:

• Food products, primarily citrus fruits, figs, hot peppers, alcoholic beverages;
• Cosmetics, which include para-aminobenzoic or salicylic acids, as well as extracts of natural ingredients such as St. John's wort, musk or sandalwood;
• Medications, mainly antibiotics, heart and anti-inflammatory drugs, and aspirin;
• Allergens contained in some meadow flowers and herbs;
• Disinfectants and dyes used in swimming pools;
• Recent cosmetic procedures that damage the top layer of the skin (peeling, scrubbing, tattooing).

Internal manifestations

A much more dangerous category . Here, the cause of allergy to the sun is a violation in the work of your body. Primarily the immune system, liver and kidneys. A classic example of this is porphyria, also known as "vampire disease" due to an acute allergic reaction of sufferers to sunlight.

However, if you find that you quickly burn in the sun, you should not immediately rush to the doctor, along the way dictating a will. In severe diseases, photodermatosis always comes with a whole bunch of accompanying symptoms. And, if nothing but flaking skin bothers you, live calmly and just be careful on the beach.

Diagnosis of the disease

The symptoms of the disease are quite varied. This can be eczema, and a rash, and even cracks in the skin and purulent sores. But in most cases, an allergic reaction is very similar to a simple sunburn. And here the main thing is to prevent dangerous confusion between them.

How to distinguish a disease from a sunburn?

At first glance, the external manifestations of allergy to the sun and sunburn are the same. In both cases, the victims note redness, itching and burning, followed by exfoliation of the skin in the affected areas. The difference, as they say, is in the details.

1. Defeat time. Often only a few minutes of skin contact with the sun is enough to activate photodermatitis. For simple burns, you need to sunbathe for at least an hour. In addition, sunburns appear immediately, but an allergic reaction can begin after 18-72 hours;
2. Itching with allergies to the sun appears almost immediately. Burning - a little later. With sunburn - the opposite is true;
3. With simple overheating of the skin, there is no rash, and blisters appear only with serious burns;
4. Also, with normal "beach" burns, there is no hives and white spots on the skin. Ulcers, common for photodermatosis, are a rarity.

At-risk groups

The highest chances of getting allergic photodermatitis are in:

• People with sensitive skin, especially natural blondes;
• Pregnant women and children under the age of 5;
• Elderly people with metabolic disorders;
• Persons with relatives allergic to the sun;
• Frequent visitors to solariums, tattoo parlors and beauty parlors;
• People actively using antibiotics and antidepressants.

Prevention

If you belong to one of these groups, these tips will allow you to return home without unnecessary sores. But, even if you are completely healthy, these recommendations will help you get the most pleasant impressions from your vacation without being distracted by minor troubles.

1. Stay out of the sun from 10.00 to 17.00. During this period, the intensity of its glow is maximum and you will burn twice as fast;
2. Do not dry yourself after getting out of the water. Dry skin is much more susceptible to sunlight. Walking wet is also not recommended. Water droplets play the role of lenses, enhancing the effect of rays on the skin;
3. It is best to rest after swimming under an awning;
4. Before going to the beach, wash off makeup and do not wear perfume. Their fragrance will still be washed away by the first wave;
5. Strictly dose the time spent under the sun. In the usual case, this is 20 minutes. But if you have sensitive skin, the duration of sunbathing should be reduced;
6. Use sunscreen;
7. If you have already experienced manifestations of allergy to the sun before, consult an allergist. He may prescribe you antihistamines to relieve the effects. But you need to do this before the trip, and not after;
8. Include foods rich in vitamins C, B and E in your diet. First of all, fresh berries and fruits (except citrus fruits). Drink plenty of pure water and do not abuse exotic cuisine;
9. Choose your vacation spot carefully. People with sensitive skin should avoid visiting tropical and equatorial resorts, as well as highlands. Visit the beaches in the middle lane, the Baltic or Canada. It is cooler there, but the sun is not as hot.

Treatment

It is strictly not recommended to treat the consequences of an allergy to the sun on your own. In addition to misdiagnosis, self-medication can lead to various complications. Both cosmetic and physiological.

Another thing is when there is no way to see a doctor. In such cases, you can try to relieve the symptoms with third-generation generic antihistamines. For example, Zodak or Tsetrina. You can also use various ointments and lotions for sunburn. But be careful: some of them have side effects or are addictive.

From improvised means, freshly squeezed juice of cucumbers and potatoes is best of all. You can also use watermelon juice, ointment from fermented milk products or lotions from tea leaves. But in no case do not use Vaseline and ice. The first clogs the pores, disrupting heat transfer. The second - reduces body temperature, but causes the death of damaged skin. If you need to cool down urgently, take a shower or bath.

Summer is a time for rest and good mood. And we hope that our tips will help you have a good time, without being distracted by minor trifles. Enjoy your holiday and don't let sun allergies ruin your holiday.