Allergy to the sun how to treat. Allergy to the sun - how to enjoy the warmth safely? Traditional treatment for sun allergies

Summer is the time for vacations and exposure to the hot sun. Many people go to the seas or to exotic countries to relax and gain strength. However, the holiday can be upset by the manifestation of an allergy to the sun, when its main symptoms are a rash and redness of the skin. What are the causes of this phenomenon and methods of treatment?

Signs of a sun allergy may not appear immediately. For some allergy sufferers, redness of the skin and rash appear after a few minutes, for others it takes several hours. There are cases of allergies appearing after a few days. This is called a phototoxic reaction or photodermatosis.

This type of allergy is a response to prolonged exposure to sunlight or the combination of sunlight with taking medications, applying creams, deodorants, plant pollen, or chlorinated pool water.

Allergy to the sun occurs in 20% of people on Earth. Can develop at a young age. There are cases of this allergy disappearing after years of growing up. The main symptoms of sun allergy are:

• Peeling of the skin.
• Skin irritation anywhere on the body.
• Red rash.
• Islands of pustular rashes.
• Edema.
• Burning.
• Redness of the skin.

Causes of sun allergies

The site’s specialists identify many causes of sun allergy. Often people themselves are the provocateurs of its development. Having a fanatical desire to stay in the sun as long as possible, they do not miss a single ray. However, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation triggers the body's defense mechanisms to produce melanin. In this case, the function of the kidneys and adrenal glands is impaired.

At the same time, it is also unsafe to refuse sunbathing. This is due to the fact that vitamin D deficiency leads to a number of disorders:

1. Loss of vision.
2. Loss of appetite and, accordingly, weight.
3. Development of deep depression.
4. Provoking arthritis, rickets, osteoporosis.

Often, an allergy to the sun does not appear due to exposure to sunlight, but due to associated factors that make the body weaker. These factors are:

• Persons with impaired functioning of the adrenal glands, liver and kidneys.
• Milky white skin color.
• The presence of a large number of freckles and birthmarks on the skin.
• Pregnancy.
• Taking anti-inflammatory drugs: fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinidine, amiodarone, griseofulvin, etc.

People often use various creams in the summer. Particularly popular are sunscreens, which are supposed to help protect against the harmful effects of sunlight and promote a beautiful tan. However, it is the creams and perfumes used that can cause an allergic reaction under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. If skin products contain such substances, it is better to avoid sun exposure:

1. Fatty acid.
2. Salicylic and boric acid.
3. Retinoids.
4. Para-aminobenzoic acid.
5. Essential oils of natural origin.
6. Mercury drugs.

To avoid triggering an allergic reaction to the sun, you should also avoid the following:

From food:

• All types (possibility of allergies).

From medications:

• Diuretics.
• Aspirin.
• Tranquilizers.
• Ibuprofen.
• Oral contraceptives.
• Antibacterial drugs.
• Antibiotics.

There are also diseases that are accompanied by the manifestation of a phototoxic reaction:

1. Pellagra is a low intake or poor absorption of nicotinic acid, which causes the skin to become sensitive and rough.
2. Gunther's disease (erythropoietic porphyria) is the image of a “vampire”. People with this disease have open wounds and cracks in the skin, thick eyelashes and eyebrows, pale skin, tooth enamel and pink urine.

Symptoms of sun allergy

Symptoms of sun allergy vary depending on the causes of their occurrence, the age of the person, and related factors. Among them are the following symptoms:

• Redness, blistering areas of the skin, itching, rash.
• Sometimes the manifestation of scales, crusts, bleeding.
• Manifestation of urticaria, blisters, eczema on the skin.
• The appearance of rough, small irregularities on the skin of the hands, face, legs, breasts, which itch, hurt, and merge into swollen, reddened lesions.
• Burn blisters.

Often symptoms appear 1-1.5 hours after exposure to the sun. However, sometimes symptoms can appear after 15-20 hours or even several days.

Associated signs of sun allergy include:

• Decreased blood pressure.
• Bronchospasm (attack of suffocation).
• Loss of consciousness.
• Persistent unbearable itching of the skin.

Damage to the skin can occur not only in areas exposed to sunlight, but even in areas where the skin was covered.

Doctors talk about the state of immunity, which regulates the appearance of sun allergies. Thus, healthy and strong people do not show such symptoms. However, people at risk include:

• Infants.
• Children after recovery from illness.
• Elderly persons.
• Patients with chronic diseases.

Treatment of sun allergies

The main treatment for sun allergies is to determine the cause. If the cause is sun rays, then you should protect yourself from their exposure. If the causes are medications, creams and other factors, then it is necessary to address them. Getting rid of the cause of sun allergy promotes recovery.

However, you should take medications that will help eliminate the symptoms of an allergic reaction:

• Antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms. Zodak, Claritin, Cetrin, Suprastin, Tavegil are effective. They can be taken for a long time, do not cause addiction, drowsiness and do not affect the nervous system.

• Creams and ointments based on corticosteroids, methyluracil, zinc and lanolin against sun allergies are prescribed by a doctor for a short period of time. This is done because addiction occurs, pathological processes appear on the skin (erythema, acne, vasodilation), and the skin also atrophies.

• Cleanses the body, allowing you to quickly remove toxins. Activated carbon, Enterosgel and Polyphepan are used for this. You can also drink more than 2.5 liters of water per day.

• Taking vitamins. If the cause of an allergy to the sun is a low protective reaction of the body, then vitamins B, E and C and antioxidants are prescribed. Also included here is nicotinic acid, which reduces the negative effects of sunlight.

First aid for sun allergies

An allergy to the sun requires first aid. Emergency assistance should be called, especially if the person is losing consciousness or is close to it, by doing the following:

1. Give plenty of water to replenish fluids.
2. Cover the skin with a cloth, but it should not be too tight so as not to cause additional irritation.
3. If the temperature rises above 38 degrees, the body should be cooled. This can be done by taking antipyretics: Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, etc. You can also apply cold compresses to the area of ​​the lower leg, forehead and groin.
4. If vomiting occurs against the background of a high temperature, the patient should be turned on his side.

First aid will not relieve a person of allergic symptoms, but will reduce their level until doctors arrive.

Traditional treatment for sun allergies

If it is not possible to see a doctor or you urgently need to reduce the severity of symptoms, you can resort to alternative treatment for sun allergies. Here are the recommendations:

• To soften and relieve inflammation from the skin, apply cucumber, potato or cabbage juice.
• Apply cold compresses from celandine or calendula tincture.
• Make a herbal bath from chamomile flowers, medicinal valerian root, St. John's wort, tripartite herb, greater celandine and medicinal sage.
• Take the following infusions internally:

1. Infusion of cocklebur.
2. Nettle infusion is dull.
3. Infusion of calamus rhizomes.
4. The juice of celery root is aromatic.

Folk remedies help soothe allergy symptoms. If they do not go away completely, then it is better to consult a doctor for treatment.

Preventing sun allergies

A common cause of sun allergies is failure to comply with preventive measures. People try to spend as much time in the sun as possible without first preparing their body.

You should start with short sunbathing, preferably during a period when the sun is still warm. During this period, the sun's rays are not aggressive, so prolonged exposure to the sun will not be harmful.

During the hot period, you should stay in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes, and then hide in the shade. It should be remembered that the rays are reflected from water and sand. It is necessary to cover your shoulders from the sun, as they burn the fastest. You should wear a hat on your head to avoid sunstroke.

Before going out in the sun, you should avoid taking medications, applying deodorants, aromatic oils, and perfumes. You can only use special creams with sunscreen effect.

If a person is allergic to the sun, then he should cover all parts of his body with light natural fabric as much as possible. This will help you be outdoors, but avoid exposing your skin to sunlight.

Forecast

It is quite sad news for a person that he should be careful with sunbathing and stay in the sun for a short time. The summer period pleases with its sun and active recreation, but here precautions are necessary. However, if you take into account all the recommendations, your vacation will not be ruined, and the prognosis for eliminating allergies will be favorable.

If you get used to certain actions, it will soon be easier to cope with all the prohibitions. In rare cases, a person is forced to avoid sunny days. Often it is just a matter of covering the skin from direct exposure to the sun. And even those with allergies can go outside and sunbathe in the shade.

It is best to consult a doctor who will prescribe medications as first aid for allergies. This will help prevent negative impacts and not disturb your health, so that the question of life expectancy does not arise.

Dermatitis, or dermatosis, is an allergic manifestation of the skin in the form of rashes, blisters, and redness. If the prefix photo- is added to these terms, then they are caused by the influence of ultraviolet radiation on the dermis.

No one is immune from sun allergy; it can cause many problems:

• discomfort on the skin in the form of itching and pain;
• unaesthetic appearance of the skin in the summer;
• restriction of certain food products and personal care products;
• You should not sunbathe until the dermis has fully recovered from injury.

There may be several types that have different manifestations and causes of appearance.

In what other cases can photodermatitis occur:

1. Due to the occurrence of a reaction between ultraviolet radiation and individual chemical elements in the composition of cosmetics, as well as components of plant origin, which causes irritation of the skin. Such photosensitizing components include: almost all essential oils with a rich odor (bergamot, grapefruit, sandalwood, etc.), various acids, eosin, alcohol, herbs (St. John's wort, nettle, etc.).
2. Eating foods that, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, provoke the production of histamine in the body. For example, exotic fruits, all plants and fruits high in vitamin C, alcoholic beverages, hot spices, preservatives, dyes, sweeteners, GMOs.
3. The presence of various diseases associated with renal failure, disorders of the liver, duodenum, thyroid gland, dysbacteriosis.
4. Various types of allergies to pollen, food, animal hair, dust can provoke photodermatosis;
5. Weakened immunity, frequent colds and infectious diseases, and a lack of vitamins in the body after the cold season can cause allergies to the spring sun.
6. Exposure to sunlight on wet skin that contains chlorine-containing water after swimming in a pool.

Symptoms of sun allergy

Visible manifestations of dermatitis attract attention instantly. These include small rashes all over the body, blisters, and severe burns. But there are cases when an allergy may not appear on the skin immediately, but at the same time, after exposure to the sun, the following symptoms occur:

• body temperature rises;
• the skin becomes hypersensitive to any touch;
• headache or dizziness occurs;
• Heatstroke may occur;
• redness of the eyes;
• a sharp increase in pigmentation (freckles, spots) on the face and body;
• decreased blood pressure;
• the appearance of swelling on the face;
• weakness throughout the body.

Both the main and additional symptoms appear primarily in fair-skinned people with or without pronounced pigmentation, in children, and in tanning bed lovers in the winter season. Age-related changes in the body also affect the symptomatic manifestation of photodermatosis, so people over 50 need to be careful when interacting with the sun's rays.

Allergy to the sun in a child

The child's body is very susceptible to various types of allergens; if this is added to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, then the child's skin will certainly react to this with redness, rash, burns or hives. How to prevent sun allergies in a child:

1. If possible, exclude allergenic foods during active sun exposure;
2. Use only children's hypoallergenic sunscreens, because... some components of an adult product can cause an allergic reaction when interacting with ultraviolet radiation;
3. Dry your child with a towel after swimming in the pool. Chlorine is the most common cause of photodermatitis;
4. It is better if the child spends most of his time on the beach in the shade.

If a child is allergic to the sun, then you should consult a doctor. Most often, in such cases, a soothing ointment for burns and antihistamines are prescribed.

How to get rid of allergies: treatment

Sun allergy is different in that it is not a separate disease. It may occur as a consequence of more serious health problems. Therefore, at the first signs, it is better to consult a doctor, who will not only tell you To How to get rid of allergies and prescribe symptomatic treatment, but also conduct a comprehensive examination of the body to identify the main cause of photodermatitis. Remember that taking hormonal or anti-inflammatory drugs for allergies can only be done in consultation with your doctor.

Treatment at home includes:

• the use of soothing, cooling and anti-itching ointments and creams (Fenistil, Panthenol);
• taking allergy medication in tablets or drops (Erius, Zyrtec);
• vitamin complexes to improve immunity;
• taking medications that help remove toxins from the intestines (Enterosgel, activated carbon);
• To restore water balance and cleanse the body, you need to drink plenty of water.

In order to reduce pain, soothe itching and burning, folk remedies can be used. These include those that can have anti-inflammatory and cooling effects. For example, juice is squeezed out of potatoes or cabbage leaves and applied to damaged areas of the skin. Infusions of medicinal herbs can be used for night compresses (chamomile, calendula).

Preventing sun allergies

Prevention helps prevent skin problems and promotes joyful sun exposure. Preventive measures include:

1. Staying on the beach when solar activity is low (morning and evening);
2. Using sunscreen and after-sun lotion;
3. Vary the time spent in the sun and shade;
4. Wear a summer hat and glasses;
5. Dry your skin after bathing and reapply the cream;
6. Avoid dehydration, drink 1.5-2 liters of clean water per day;
7. Do not use perfumes and cosmetics containing essential oils, alcohol, fragrances, or acids;
8. Start strengthening your immune system at the end of winter: drink vitamins, walk more in the fresh air;
9. Eat berries and fruits containing antioxidants, vitamins A, E, B. For example, blueberries, apples, pomegranates, bananas;
10. If possible, avoid spicy foods and exotic fruits;
11. Conduct a preventive examination of the whole body to detect health problems in a timely manner.

Proper sun protection and self-care will help make the summer time carefree and joyful.

Doctor's advice on how to cope with sun allergies.

An allergy to the sun can appear immediately (within 2-30 seconds) or several hours after direct exposure of the skin 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 body to the effects of natural light, as well as the intensity of the radiation. In children, symptoms appear more quickly than in adults. An allergy to sunlight is called photodermatosis. This is a type of skin disease that occurs under certain conditions.

Natural light does not contain any irritating factor (allergen) as such. A negative reaction of the body (skin irritation and other signs of allergy) associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation usually occurs provided that the skin or epithelial structure contains specific substances. Allergy to sunlight can be of two types:

1. Exogenous photodermatitis. The name of the skin disease means that the reaction is provoked by a substance that is located outside the human body. An example of such a reaction is meadow dermatitis. An allergy begins if furocoumarins come into contact with the skin. These are specific substances that are released only by some plants. How does this type of allergy manifest itself? The most common symptoms are skin discoloration (bright redness) and blisters. Meadow dermatitis can also manifest itself as itching. Pigmentation occurs on the affected areas of the skin. In addition, allergies can develop if the sun's rays hit areas of the skin covered with cosmetics. In this case, the reaction is provoked by certain compounds that are part of lipstick or perfume, for example eosin, para-aminobenzoic acid. The last of these substances is a common component of sunscreens.
2. Endogenous photodermatitis. This type of allergy can be called internal. The fact is that its appearance is provoked by a factor located in the body. This type of allergy to sunlight can occur if the structure of the skin contains substances that, when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, cause a specific reaction to occur. This occurs if there is a malfunction of the immune system or metabolism. Varieties of diseases that are provoked by solar radiation against the background of internal problems of the body: polymorphic photodermatosis, xeroderma pigmentosum, porphyria, solar eczema. Itching, rashes and blisters are the main signs of such pathological conditions. Treatment in this case should include not only treating the affected areas of the skin with ointments, but also restorative therapy.

Types of allergic reactions

Photodermatitis manifests itself in different ways. The structure of the skin undergoes changes to varying degrees of severity, which is influenced by the intensity of exposure to radiation and the condition of the body. Sun allergies are divided into groups:

If you are interested in the question of whether it is possible to be exposed to ultraviolet radiation, you need to clarify who is at risk. An allergic reaction to the sun most often occurs in people suffering from disruption of various systems:

• endocrine diseases;
• disorders of the liver and kidneys;
• weakening and other changes in the immune system.

Allergy development factors

The body reacts differently to outside interference. If you are wondering why exogenous (external) sun allergies occur, you should consider a number of factors:

Factors of endogenous (internal) photodermatitis

Before protecting yourself from ultraviolet radiation, you need to find out why allergies occur. The risk group includes:

1. People whose skin is very fair. Allergy to the sun manifests itself on the hands, face and other exposed areas of the body.
2. Women during pregnancy, lactation and other times when hormonal changes occur.
3. Children. At an early age, the body has not yet developed full-fledged protective reactions, which makes the skin too vulnerable to the effects of ultraviolet radiation.
4. People with a lot of tattoos. The emerging allergy is a consequence of frequent use of dyes containing cadmium.
5. People who prefer a rich tan often visit a solarium.
6. Heredity. It is more difficult to overcome an emerging allergy if one of the family members also has a tendency to similar reactions.

Symptoms

Before using allergy medications, you need to make sure that the pathological condition is actually caused by ultraviolet radiation.

Rash, itching and redness are the first signs of a sun allergy.

You need to figure out what the skin looks like, why study the photo. Common symptoms of sun allergy:

1. If redness appears, then there is reason to suspect that the skin has been overexposed to solar radiation. Discoloration of the outer skin is one of the main signs of an allergic reaction, but it is common. Accordingly, you cannot rely only on redness.
2. An allergy to the sun usually causes itching and a rash.
3. Blisters form on the skin, sometimes oozing fluid.
4. Eczema, as well as urticaria, are the main forms of this pathological condition.
5. The skin loses its smoothness. Irregularities in local areas can combine into large spots.
6. Sometimes there is slight swelling.
7. In more complex cases, the skin thickens and crusts form. They are not elastic, which means 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. In order to get rid of unpleasant consequences forever, you need to find out what means are used in the fight against ultraviolet allergies.

Often the body's reaction to the sun's rays is serious, accompanied by changes in the structure of the skin, creating inconvenience (rash, etc.). For this reason, you cannot deal with the consequences yourself. It is necessary to consult with your doctor. If the question of how to get rid of sun allergies is being resolved, different remedies are considered:

Prevention

To avoid having 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 in the body. For this purpose, it is recommended to avoid visiting southern countries where the sun is active for a long period.

If you are outside during the day, you need to wear closed, but breathable, light clothing. It is important to protect your face, arms, legs and the rest of your body.

If sun allergies sometimes occur, symptoms and treatment often depend on outside factors. Contact with plants, certain foods and certain cosmetics is not recommended:

• 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, Cordarone, Chlorthiazide, etc.

Even some antihistamines and sunscreens can trigger an allergic reaction to ultraviolet light.

Sun allergy is accompanied by inflammatory processes on the skin caused by exposure to sunlight.

This disease does not seem dangerous, but if treatment is not started in time, complications may appear in the form of eczema or a chronic form of such an allergy.

An allergic reaction to the sun appears due to exposure to ultraviolet rays when they combine with substances located on the surface of the skin or inside the human body.

Internal factors that provoke the disease include:

• antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline;
• medications used to treat the cardiovascular system;
• aspirin;
• antibacterial drugs;
• ibuprofen;
• sedatives;
• diuretics;
• sleeping pills;
• hormonal contraceptives with large amounts of estrogen;
• lack of vitamins in the body;
• reduced body resistance to various external factors;
• liver and kidney diseases.

External factors that provoke a negative reaction of the skin to sunlight include the use of creams and lotions, especially those containing sandalwood oil and musk.

Risk group

Allergy to the sun can rarely be found in healthy, young people; usually, the risk group includes the following categories:

There are a huge number of reasons for the occurrence of a negative reaction to the sun, and in order to avoid it, it is necessary to minimize all risks and not sunbathe while taking these medications and not use various cosmetics.

Kinds

The body's reaction to ultraviolet rays can be different, so experts distinguish the following types:

1. Photorheumatic reactions- occur even in healthy people when exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, especially during dangerous hours (from 11.00 to 16.00), the main symptom is the appearance of sunburn;
2. Phototoxic reactions- most often occur due to the intake of various medications, herbs and products containing photosensitizers. Sunburn appears as swelling, blistering and redness;
3. Photoallergic reactions- occur in people whose skin rejects exposure to sunlight and responds negatively to it. Most often this occurs due to reduced immunity, diseases of the thyroid gland, liver and kidneys. It manifests itself in the form of a rash, thickening of the skin, roughness, pigmentation and the appearance of furrows.

Complete rejection of sunlight is extremely rare. Typically, a negative reaction occurs under the influence of various drugs and cosmetics.

Symptoms

Since sun allergy is a skin disease, it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• on skin that is exposed to direct sunlight, a rash, redness, and abscesses form;
• you can often notice the formation of rough irregularities that cause pain;
• in some cases, the skin will crust, scale, and bleed;
• In appearance, this disease resembles urticaria or dermatitis.

In addition to external symptoms, under the influence of the pathogen you can notice an increase in body temperature, dizziness, and a decrease in blood pressure.

All the dangers that can be caused by the sun, watch the video, what doctors say:

Diagnostics

To correctly identify the disease, you need to seek help from a specialist, namely a dermatologist. He will conduct a survey of the patient, during which the cause of the negative reaction will be determined, followed by a dermatological examination.

Also, in addition to questioning and examination, the person is sent for dermatoscopy and application tests. All this is necessary in order not to confuse sun allergy with other diseases.

Also, a dermatologist can prescribe additional tests in order to not only make a diagnosis as accurately as possible, but also determine the cause. Such studies include urine and blood tests, ultrasound (ultrasound), Zimnitsky tests, etc.

Traditional medicine

Treatment of sun allergy is aimed at eliminating the unpleasant symptoms of the disease, that is, itching, swelling, redness, etc. Also, doctors separately investigate the cause of the allergy and try to eliminate it, thereby avoiding a relapse.

The following drugs are most often used to treat allergies:

Before taking any drug, you should definitely consult a dermatologist, because only he can determine the extent of the disease and its cause. Also, taking a particular drug is strictly individual; when prescribing it, the doctor takes into account all the characteristics of the human body.

ethnoscience

Traditional medicine methods help to effectively cope with the consequences of sun allergies, that is, the appearance of rashes, itching, redness, etc.

Products for external use

Means for oral administration

1. To remove toxins from the body, you can drink a tablespoon of celery juice three times a day;
2. Every morning you can drink freshly brewed tea from the series;
3. Another herbal mixture is prepared from 5 tablespoons of buckthorn bark, 5 tablespoons of St. John's wort and 2 tablespoons of aspen buds. The mixture is poured with 500 milliliters of boiling water and left for 20 minutes, then filtered and taken a teaspoon three times a day.

Regardless of how the treatment proceeds, with the help of folk remedies or medications, important rules must be followed. Namely, do not expose the affected skin to direct sunlight, do not use creams and do not scratch itchy areas.

Lifestyle

Having an allergy to the sun significantly affects a person’s lifestyle:

• the main rule is to avoid open sunlight, and it is recommended to wear closed clothing;
• You need to stop taking medications that affect the body’s compatibility with ultraviolet radiation; the same rule applies to individual products.

How a person behaves during an exacerbation of the disease largely affects the speed of treatment and whether the sun allergy returns or not.

Sun allergies are most common in people with weakened immune systems. Treatment of such a disease is quite easy and quick, the main thing is to start therapy on time and follow all the instructions of the attending physician.

If you do not provoke a negative reaction to ultraviolet radiation in the future, there will be no trace of the previous allergy.

In contact with

Sunlight is an integral phenomenon in the life of every living creature.

On the one hand, the sun has a huge positive effect on the body: it activates metabolic processes, stimulates the production of vitamin D, and improves mood.

But, on the other hand, it promotes rapid aging of the skin, increases pigmentation, increases the risk of developing cancerous tumors, instantly aggravates allergic reactions and is a great provocateur of the immune system (the immune system begins to react “wrongly” to harmless things).

Types of sun allergies

Ultraviolet rays with a certain wavelength excite immune cells (basophils), which are located deep in the skin. As a result, basophils explode under the influence of UV radiation.

This process activates the release of enzymes such as serotonin and others; they are elements of inflammatory compounds that are released into the thickness of the skin and cause an allergic reaction.

There are the following types of body reactions to sunlight:

1. Phototraumatic– This is when a person gets sunburn on their skin. The reaction can occur both in people suffering from allergies and in completely healthy people. UV rays affect people differently at different times:
   • in the first 15-20 minutes, warming and antidepressant effects occur, as well as the production of vitamin D;
   • After 2 hours of exposure to the sun, sunburn, pigmentation, and decreased immunity may develop.
2. Phototoxic- This is when burns or severe redness appear on the skin caused by the action of certain medications or cosmetics, as well as certain foods. Medicine calls such substances photosensitizers. More often, women and children suffer from this type of reaction to solar radiation, as they constantly use cosmetics.
3. Photoallergic- This is a specific reaction of the body to UV radiation. Immune cells go on the attack and the body begins to release substances that cause inflammation and swelling. Because of such a reaction, you can die if timely help is not provided. Such a response from the body can occur both in the first minutes of exposure to the sun and over several days.

Photos of types of reactions:

Sunburn

Photodermatosis

Severe photosensitivity after taking medications

Symptoms of the reaction

Each of these reactions appears on open areas of the body:

• on the face;
• on shoulders;
• on hands;
• on foot;
• on the skin of the body.

In children, rashes can be noticed in the first minutes or hours of sunbathing. Sometimes the consequences of sun exposure in a child look like.

Photos of sunburn in children:

Minor negative symptoms often begin with the appearance of the first spring sun, and their intensity especially increases in the summer. By the end of the summer season, the brightness of the negative signs subsides.

In adults, it all starts with the appearance of blisters, elevations on the skin, and roughness. This rash is itchy and itchy, and there is a feeling of heat in the affected areas.

Redness may spread beyond the “sick” areas and may take on a swollen appearance. When neglected, red spots turn into weeping wounds and cracks. Exposure to the sun also affects the general condition of a person. There may be increased body temperature, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and decreased blood pressure as a result of fainting.

Causes of pathology

Sun allergies can occur in any place where sunlight is present:

• in the city;
• In the woods;
• on vacation in hot countries;
• after sunbathing in a solarium, etc.

List of reasons contributing to the appearance of photodermatoses:

People with fair skin and hair, children under 3 years of age, and pregnant women are especially susceptible to the negative effects of the sun.

Changes that occur on the skin under the influence of the sun during childhood are irreversible. They accumulate and appear already in adulthood. If a child has received a sunburn (age under 3 years is considered the most dangerous), then the possibility of consequences from UV radiation increases significantly.

Video from Dr. Malysheva:

List of photosensitizers

Photosensitizers are substances of various origins that cause increased sensitivity of the skin to solar radiation. Often they are the ones who provoke negative conditions in the dermis.

Therefore, if you belong to a risk group or are planning a vacation in the midst of summer days, then you should exclude the list of the following products and medications from use:

• alcoholic drinks, especially red wine;
• tomatoes, carrots, sour apples, citrus fruits, figs, pomegranate, parsley, celery;
• freshly squeezed juices from these products;
• cosmetics containing oils of musk, bergamot, lime;
• cream or medications containing St. John's wort;
• antibiotics of the tetracycline group (Doxal, Doxicillin, Unidox, Tetracycline, Rondomycin, etc.);
• corticosteroid hormonal drugs (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Sinaflan, Dermovate, etc.);
• drugs that slow down cell division (Flutamide, Methotrexate, Azotriopine, etc.);
• means for lowering blood sugar (Diabeton, Siofor, Novonorm, etc.);
• antidepressants, antipsychotics (Bifol, Azafen, Aminosyl, Truxal, etc.);
• oral contraceptives with a high content of estrogen (Tri-regol, Ovidon, etc.);
• aspirin;
• cardio medications (Cardiomagnyl, Magnicor, etc.);
• retinol cream;
• vitamins B6 and B2;
• diuretics (Furasemide, Pamid, Indap);
• antifungal agents (Griseofulvin, Lamisil, Tsidokan, etc.);
• fluoroquinolones (Ofloxocin, Ciprofloxocin, etc.).

In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, carefully study the instructions for medications and follow the recommendations of your doctor.

Treatment methods

Like any disease, photodermatosis has certain treatment tactics. The course of treatment should be prescribed by a doctor, especially if it concerns children.

How to get rid of an allergic reaction?

First of all, you need to eliminate the factor causing the allergy. During moments of intense solar radiation, wear clothes that cover all possible areas of the body, and hats with wide brims (this will add zest to a woman’s look).

Try to spend more time in the shade, although there is also UV radiation there, but in a less intense form. When the first symptoms appear, you should take a cool shower or wet the affected areas with a damp, cool towel. Do not use detergents at this time, as this may worsen the problem.

Drugs

You should take desensitizing tablets internally:

• and etc.

When choosing them, you should focus on the age of the victim and carefully study the instructions in order to correctly calculate the dosage. Drugs in the form of drops begin to act faster. Third-generation drugs are the best way to safely relieve allergy symptoms, since they do not affect the nervous system and are not sedative.

For local treatment you can use gels or creams:

• ointment;
• Dermodrin ointment, etc.

These remedies will help quickly relieve itching.

For quick results, some doctors prescribe. Hormonal medications can solve the problem within a day. Local use of hormones is safe, since absorption of the drug occurs to a minimum.

Such drugs include:

• Prednisolone;
• Sinaflan;
• and etc.

For healing and To eliminate redness, you should use dexpanthenol-based creams:

• D-panthenol;
• Dexpanthenol.

To treat burns, it is better to use:

• Panthenol spray;
• Solcoseryl gel or ointment;
• Psilo-balm cream.

It is also worth cleansing the body from the inside of toxins and allergens.

For this purpose, sorbents are used:

• Smecta;
• White coal, etc.

During this period, it is necessary to drink more clean water.

In this situation, you can use vitamins A, E, nicotinic acid, calcium. It is also worth adhering to, excluding alcohol and products containing photosensitizers.

Folk remedies

To improve the results of traditional therapy, you should use recipes. In such cases, she recommends ingesting Chinese brown algae - spirulina. It increases the body's protective properties and normalizes metabolism.

The vitamins and microelements contained in it improve the condition of the skin, eliminate inflammatory processes, and improve immunity. It is recommended to take 2 capsules three times a day.

There are contraindications:

• thrombosis;
• heart attack or stroke;
• stomach ulcer;
• internal bleeding.

For local use, lotions with a decoction are excellent. For a glass of boiling water you need to take 2 tablespoons of string grass. Infuse the broth until cold and strain. Soak a sterile bandage in the broth and apply to painful areas for 15-20 minutes. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times a day. This will relieve inflammation and itching and speed up healing.

The use of folk remedies cannot be a complete alternative to traditional medical remedies. This is just a good addition to the treatment prescribed by your doctor.

Measures to prevent photodermatosis:

1. Start sunbathing in doses; the more gradually the skin gets used to sunlight, the lower the risk of negative reactions. It is worth starting to introduce kids to the sun with 5-10 minutes of exposure to the sun.
2. Avoid exposure to air in the summer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this period of time, UV radiation is the most aggressive.
3. Protect your skin with clothing as much as possible and wear hats. This is especially true for young children. Their skin is super sensitive and delicate.
4. Apply photoprotective cream to exposed areas of the dermis. For the best protective effect, they should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and repeated every 2 hours. This protection should also be used on a cloudy day, since UV rays can be reflected and scattered. Choose a cream with a protection factor of SPF 50+ (this number shows the degree of protection; the higher it is, the more protected the skin is). For people prone to allergies and children, it is better to choose a product based on mineral filters. They are considered the safest sunscreen bases.
5. Avoid visits - this is an aggressive factor on the skin, which can cause irreversible consequences.
6. Read the instructions for the medications you use very carefully. The presence of components in them that increase skin sensitivity can lead to allergic rashes. Any unclear points should be discussed with your doctor.
7. Before a planned vacation, do an audit of the food in your home in advance. Avoid foods that contain photosensitizers for a while.

Protection depending on skin color type

You should always remember that the damage caused by the sun is cumulative, so you should always approach each new vacation wisely. This will help maintain health and protect against disastrous consequences in the future.