Sun allergy, which causes symptoms such as redness, swelling, red spot formation, stinging sensation and rash on the skin surface when exposed to direct sunlight, can also be defined as a kind of reaction of hypersensitive skin. In some cases, different symptoms such as nausea, headache, difficulty in breathing, low blood pressure can be observed.
What is Sun Allergy?
Sun allergy is basically an itchy red rash on the skin exposed to sunlight. It is a skin problem characterized by symptoms such as itching and burning. Polymorphous light eruption, or sun poisoning, is the most common type of sun allergy. Frequently asked “What is sun allergy?” This is how the question can be answered.
Some people have an inherited sun allergy. In some people, sun allergy may occur after the immune system is stimulated for different reasons. In other words, while a person has never had a sun allergy until a certain period, they may show signs of sun allergy every time they are exposed to the sun after a certain age.
What are the Symptoms of Sun Allergy?
It is seen in spring and summer, when it reaches the earth at steeper angles. The skin that is constantly exposed to the sun during the summer months becomes rough and the probability of developing sun allergy decreases. Some symptoms usually only appear on the sun-exposed skin area and typically appear hours after sun exposure. Sun allergy symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Redness,
- Itching or pain,
- Skin crusting,
- Bleeding,
- Blisters or hives.
What are the Risk Factors for Sun Allergy?
The risk factors for allergic reactions to sunlight are:
- Ethnicity: Although sun allergy is seen in almost all people, it is more common especially in fair-skinned people.
- Exposure to Certain Substances: Some skin allergy symptoms may be triggered if your skin is exposed to various chemicals and then to sunlight. Medicine Usage: Including tetracycline antibiotics, some sulfate-based drugs and pain relievers containing ketoprofen Many drugs, including many drugs, may increase the risk of sun allergy. If you have a sibling or parent who has frequent allergic reactions, you are more likely to be allergic to the sun.
What Causes Sun Allergy?
Various drugs, chemicals used and medical interventions can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Some people develop allergies to the sun's rays, while others do not. The reason for this is not entirely clear. In this case, it can be thought that a number of genetic factors play a role. Frequently asked questions “What causes sun allergy?” This question can also be answered in this way. There are several types of sun allergy:
- Actinic Keratosis: It develops due to prolonged and unprotected sun exposure. It causes rough, patch-like lesions on the skin surface. It occurs especially on bald skin such as hands, arms, ears and face. It is more likely to be seen on the legs in women.
- Photoallergic Reaction: It occurs as a result of the reaction of some chemical types applied to the skin with sunlight. Various types of medications, as well as sunscreens, cosmetics, and fragrances can cause a photoallergic reaction. Symptoms sometimes do not appear for two to three days.
- Polymorphic Light Eruption: The incidence of polymorphous light eruption, which is more common in women than in men, is between 5% and 20% in the community. Although it mostly occurs in the spring months, it can be seen even in winter in some cases. This disorder, which usually starts before the age of 30, is more common in individuals with light skin. Small blisters that cause itching cause symptoms such as rash and burning.
- Solar Urticaria: Rare solar urticaria can occur within minutes of exposure to sunlight. It is characterized by symptoms such as crusting on the skin surface, blistering, bleeding, itching, pain, urticaria.
How to Diagnose Sun Allergy
Diagnosis of sun allergy, It can be put on even just by looking at the skin. However, different tests can be used for differential diagnosis. lyre Some of these tests are:
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Test: This test, also called phototest, is done to see how the skin responds to ultraviolet light of different wavelengths. It can be useful to determine which type of sun allergy you have.
- Photo Patch Test: In this test, common sun allergy triggers are applied directly to your skin. A day later, a certain dose of ultraviolet rays is introduced into the skin. If a reaction occurs in the exposed skin area, it results in the conclusion that the allergy is directly related to the substance being tested.
What to Do for Sun Allergy?
If you have sun allergy or if you have an increased sensitivity to sun rays, you are asking yourself what to do against sun allergy. you can be. The following can be done to prevent sun allergy:
- Avoid the Sun: Try not to spend time outdoors between 10.00-16.00. Most individuals show signs of sun allergy when exposed to prolonged sunlight in the spring or summer. The time spent outdoors should be increased gradually.
- Wear Sunglasses and Protective Clothing: The use of clothing such as long dresses, shirts and hats can help protect your skin from direct exposure to the sun's rays. It may be helpful to avoid finely woven fabrics.
- Use Sunscreen: Using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will protect you from harmful sun rays. Apply sunscreen adequately and frequently to the exposed skin surface. If you swim or sweat frequently, apply sunscreen to your skin more frequently.
- Avoid Sun Allergy Triggers: If you know that some external factors, such as a medication or contact with certain plants, are causing a skin reaction, it is recommended to avoid these triggers.
How to Treat Sun Allergy
Mild cases of sun allergy do not need to be treated. more severe cases It can also be treated with some steroid-derived creams or pills. It is recommended that people with severe sun allergies take protective measures and wear clothes that will protect themselves from harmful sun rays. It is sufficient for the relief and disappearance of the complaints. The doctor should be consulted before giving medication or applying cream to your baby. If the allergy is severe, it is necessary to apply to the nearest health institution. “How is sun allergy in babies?” The answer to the question can be given in this way.
Sun Allergy Treatment
The treatment for sun allergy depends on the type of sun allergy you have. In mild cases, avoiding the sun for a certain period of time may be necessary for the regression and improvement of the symptoms. In severe cases, it would be right to get help from a doctor and contact a doctor about treatment methods.
What is good for sun allergy?
There are several answers to the question of what is good for sun allergy. . Among them, you can use the following applications. The doctor may only recommend moisturizing creams or medications to help relieve the itching sensation.
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