An allergy to the sun ... Behind such a phrase is a rather unpleasant disease, also called photodermatosis or photodermatitis. These terms are used to indicate increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. It should be understood: the rays of the sun alone cannot cause allergies - they can only provoke its manifestation. The problem lies in the substances that are contained on the surface of the skin or in the general state of human health.
An allergy to the sun, the treatment of which can be quite lengthy, manifests itself in the same way as most allergic diseases: skin itching and burning, redness and rash.
Rashes usually appear in open areas of the body. A rash with small size photodermatosis that is vaguely reminiscent of a nettle burn. Vials filled with liquid may form on the skin. Solar allergy can be felt even in the early spring, but more often it happens in the summer and sometimes at the most inopportune moment - the long-awaited vacation because of it is often spoiled.
There are several types of causes of photodermatosis: internal and external. The first, also called endogenous, include taking certain drugs (ibuprofen, tetracycline, sulfonamides, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, etc.), hormonal and immune disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Photodermatosis is usually accompanied by porphyria, a severe hereditary disease in which pigment metabolism is impaired. An allergy to the sun, the treatment of which should be comprehensive, often manifests itself on the skin, which in the recent past has undergone resurfacing, chemical peeling, depilation, and tattooing. She is more prone to people with blond hair and skin, small children, pregnant women.
External (exogenous) factors for the appearance of symptoms of solar allergies involve irritating the skin with substances that are usually calmly carried by the body, but when exposed to the rays of the bright sun, they have an aggressive effect. They can be contained, for example, in caring products, sap or pollen of plants. The most dangerous in terms of such reactions are hogweed, buttercup, quinoa, clover, angelica officinalis and, oddly enough, edible and healthy sorrel.
An allergy to the sun, the treatment of which must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, is often triggered by the presence in cosmetics of natural essential oils - for example, sandalwood or bergamot, ambergris or musk, as well as salicylic and boric acids.
Mercury-containing products are also dangerous in this respect: this toxic ingredient is still found in low-cost whitening cosmetics (mainly counterfeit ones). Solar allergy, the treatment of which involves the use of anti-inflammatory and irritating soothing agents, can be triggered by the excessive consumption of citrus fruits as well as the contact of their juice on the skin.
Photodermatosis, like any disease, is easier to prevent than to treat. First of all, excessive exposure to the sun should be avoided - especially for those who have thin and sensitive skin. In the early days at the resort, use sunscreen. It is advisable not to take medications that can provoke photodermatitis before going on vacation.
Carefully study the makeup that you intend to take with you. These recommendations especially apply to those who have been allergic to the sun at least once. The treatment of repeated photodermatosis can be longer and more serious: often, in addition to the use of local skin soothing agents, it is recommended to take enterosorbents, probiotics, antihistamines, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs - for example, indomethacin.